Slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, may lead to chronic pain that can often hinder the way you perform your daily activities. However, getting assistance from a therapist can help relieve the pain. Also, it will encourage you to perform actions without provoking any further damaging symptoms. Houston chiropractor Dr. Brett Franson can help you manage neck pain and other chronic pains associated with a herniated disc.
Understanding the Difference Between Normal and Herniated Disc
The bones in our body that form the spinal column (vertebrae) are cushioned with small round discs. Located between each of the vertebrae in the spine, these discs (intervertebral discs) act as shock absorbers for activities such as walking, jumping, and running.
“The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers for activities such as walking, jumping, and running.”
The outer layer (annulus) of the discs is tough, and it surrounds the nucleus. These discs can get herniated when a fragment of the disc nucleus is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal because of a tear or rupture in the annulus.
The limited space in the spinal canal is inadequate for the spinal nerve and the displaced herniated disc fragment. Therefore, the displaced disc exerts pressure on the spinal nerves producing pain, which may be severe.
The herniated discs are popularly known as slipped disc, but the intervertebral discs don’t really “slip.” As a Houston chiropractor will tell you, herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. However, they are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine), but also occur in the neck (cervical spine).
What Leads to a Herniated Disc?
Disc materials naturally degenerate with age; the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken. This causes a rupture in the disc with a relatively minor strain (sneezing) or twisting movement.
Sometimes, a single excessive strain or injury can also cause a disc to herniate.
Also, specific individuals are more vulnerable to disc problems, and herniated disc tendencies may run in families.
Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc
When you visit your Houston chiropractor for herniated disc problems and associated neck pain or back pain, your doctor will help you find a treatment that addresses your needs.
At your initial appointment, Dr. Franson will deep dive into identifying the reasons behind your problem. For this, he may ask many important questions regarding your lifestyle and other areas of health.
After the first interaction, he will go through your medical history, do a physical exam, and perform several orthopedic and neurological tests for a thorough evaluation.
With the help of results from the evaluation, the doctor will create simple and effective care plans. It may include the spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques, to help ease your herniated disc symptoms.
For the most part, the care plan would be an individualized treatment plan, including manual therapy and therapeutic exercises.
Effective Chiropractic Techniques for Herniated Discs
Axial decompression technique is very effective at releasing the stress and pressure in your spine. It helps take the pressure off the discs as well, thereby speeding your recovery. More so, is done manually for the best control.
Although chiropractic treatment is safe and effective for most patients, some patients are not good candidates for some types of chiropractic care treatments. For example, patients with cauda equina syndrome (in which a patient loses control of their bowel/bladder with an accompanying intervertebral disc injury). And those with advanced loss of strength, reflexes, sensation, and other unusual neurological findings may require additional support and cannot be treated by your chiropractor.
“Axial decompression technique is very effective at releasing the stress and pressure in your spine.”
Myths vs. Facts Around Chiropractic Care to Treat Herniated Disc
Myth: Chiropractors “pop a disc back in place” using forceful adjustments.
Fact: The “pop” sound comes from the release of gas under pressure within a joint.
Myth: Chiropractic care involves a few quick treatments, which can “fix” your disc.
Fact: Chiropractors treat herniated discs using gentle low-force techniques and the process takes repetition and time as do all types of healing. Discs can’t be “fixed” even with surgery. Surgical procedures removes the herniated part of the disc, but that does not mean it is “fixed”. Besides, the disc gets compromised and will continue to get thinner over time.
Regular Chiropractic adjustments help keep your spine as moveable as possible so it can better adapt to the disc issue and keep you feeling good and functioning very well.
Connect with Dr. Franson for Herniated Disc Treatment
If you are seeking chiropractic care in the greater Houston area, contact Houston chiropractor Dr. Franson today for an appointment, and get expert help for a herniated disc.
Did You Know? A Chiropractor Can Better Manage Your Herniated Disc | Franson Chiropractor, Houston, TX
