Disc Conditions
Disc Conditions
Your spine is composed of 24 vertebrae. In between the vertebrae are fluid filled cartilaginous discs that are meant to cushion the vertebrae minimizing wear and tear, and provide shock absorption as you move about your day.
If you are experiencing back or neck pain, it may be due to one of the following disc conditions.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Normal aging and wear and tear can lead to degenerative disc disease. The fluid within the disc may begin to deplete while the outer cartilaginous layer thins and becomes worn. The space between the vertebrae decreases. The disc is no longer able to protect the vertebrae at optimum level and further degeneration can occur.
As the space between the vertebrae narrows, you may feel pain, numbness and tingling if nerve impingement and entrapment occurs, or you may feel nothing at all. Unfortunately, some people are unaware of their degenerative condition until quite a bit of damage has occurred.
Disc Protrusion (Bulging Disc)
The fluid loss described above can lead to the disc becoming deflated enough to where it protrudes or bulges outside the normal boundaries of the vertebrae. Imagine a partially deflated balloon squished between two stones. This is called a disc protrusion or bulging disc and is sometimes mislabeled as a “slipped” disc.
You may feel pain and incur muscle spasms due to the body’s natural inflammatory response to injury. Nerve impingement and entrapment can cause localized, radiating and deferred pain as well as tingling, numbness and muscle weakness.
Herniated or Ruptured Disc
Sometimes, the fluid inside the disc begins to leak. This not only deflates the disc, but the fluid irritates the surrounding tissue and causes inflammation and potentially, muscle spasms. This is called a herniated or “ruptured” disc. The fluids can also lead to nerve entrapment, meaning nerves can become “stuck” to surrounding soft tissue such as muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia.
As mentioned, disc degeneration can occur unnoticeably and slowly over time. Your Naperville, IL chiropractor at Goyke Health Center, can evaluate your spine through a full neuromuscular exam and history. If disc conditions are suspected, we can use imaging devices to determine the extent and form a treatment plan designed to restore spinal health and minimize further degeneration.
Gentle spinal decompression relieves pressure on the spinal components and aids in restoring spinal health. When spinal alignment is restored and the pressure is relieved, proper fluid transfer will also be restored. This provides the spine with a better healing environment as inflammation is reduced, toxins are removed and healing fluids can reach the injured tissue.
In addition, Goyke Health Center will provide you with information on preventing further disc degeneration through proper lifting, ergonomics and core strengthening exercises as well as weight loss advice, proper nutrition and supplements that can optimize your spinal health.
Please call Goyke Health Center, your Naperville, IL chiropractor, TODAY for a FREE exam and x-ray! End your back pain troubles today!
