Chiropractic treatment is an effective and non-invasive treatment alternative for ruptured, bulging, or herniated discs (slipped disc). Contrary to the term, intervertebral discs don’t really “slip” the way that most people envision.
The discs are made up of the tough outer layer known as the annulus fibrosus, and the nucleus pulposus which has a soft-gelatin like center. When a crack or tearing occurs in the disc’s outer layer, the material found inside the disc can get pushed out.
Factors that Can Cause Discs to Herniate
There are several factors that can cause disc herniation. For instance, disc herniation can occur when there is too much stress on the disc over time due to excess weight or poor posture. In addition, a herniated disc can also be caused by physical injury or a combination of other factors. Often, poor biomechanics of the spinal joints and surrounding tissues, which many people may be unaware of, will lead to increased wear and tear.
Herniated Discs and Chiropractic Care
One of the best slipped disc treatments available is chiropractic care. Chiropractors treat the condition by addressing the root causes of pain and correcting dysfunctional areas which lead to degeneration of the discs. Typically, initial appointments that address herniated discs will often involve going through the patient’s medical history, doing a physical exam, and performing neurological and orthopaedic tests.
Chiropractors will be looking into several things to get to the bottom of the condition. For instance, they will check if:
● The reflexes are intact or if the nerves are able to send messages correctly
● If there are signs of muscle wasting or loss of muscle strength
● If there is loss of sensation along the nerve’s path
The posture might also be looked into and an MRI or X-ray may be ordered (when needed) to further help with the diagnostic process.
Evaluating the Entire Spine
Even if a patient is only experiencing lower back pain, chiropractors will evaluate the entire spine and musculoskeletal system to gauge how it is functioning overall. Once all the needed information has been taken into account, the chiropractor will then determine if there is an intervertebral disc injury and what the best course of treatment should be.
However, not all patients are good candidates for certain types of chiropractic treatment. For instance, patients with cauda equina syndrome will be referred out for prompt medical intervention as opposed to chiropractic care or other forms of conservative treatment.
Also, if there’s advanced loss of sensation, reflexes, strength, as well as other atypical neurological findings, your chiropractor will refer you to a spine surgeon. Fortunately, most cases of intervertebral disc injuries can be effectively addressed by chiropractic care in combination with other therapies and rehabilitation.
Treating a Herniated Disc
To treat a herniated disc, chiropractors will create a treatment plan that may include spinal manipulation (most commonly known as adjustments), non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD), manual soft tissue therapy, therapeutic technologies, and rehabilitative exercises. Treatment plans will be individualised to each patient’s specific condition and needs, but generally a bulk of the initial corrective process will be accomplished over a 1-3 month process.
The specifics of the treatment plan will be particular to the patient’s starting symptoms, level of activity, severity of the slipped disc, age, and overall health factors. Don’t hesitate to ask questions from your chiropractor about your specific condition and needs. It is important that you are not only aware of the procedures being done, but why they were chosen and how it can relieve your pain most effectively.
Spine Care Diaries 