Disc Injury Treatment

Model of Spine Intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebrae in the spine. The outside of a disc is made from cartilage, and in the center is a jelly like solution. These discs serve many purposes, including allowing movement of the spine, creating space between the vertebrae, and acting as shock absorbers. The gelatinous middle allows the disc to compress and expand based on impact and movement. Trauma to the spine can cause the discs to herniate, bulge, become displaced (slipped disc), or even rupture. Trauma or direct injury to the area is not the only cause, however. As we get older, the discs can begin to weaken and dehydrate. These conditions can put pressure on the nerves around the spine and cause pain.

If you suffer from one of these injuries you should see a Chiropractor. Surgery is risky, expensive, and requires recovery time. In many cases, you can experience relief from these conditions through Chiropractic care. By properly aligning the spine, pressure can be relieved on nerves and on the discs themselves. This will reduce and hopefully eliminate your pain and discomfort and allow you to live a normal lifestyle.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease is not as much a disease as it is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age. Our discs are made of a tough, rubbery exterior and a soft interior. They sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers. As we age, the spinal discs begin to degenerate. This can cause herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.

The degeneration of spinal discs may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms depend on each patient and the severity of their case. Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. As the pain is often caused by compressed nerves, this pain can also travel to other areas of the body like the buttocks, arms, and legs. Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs may also be experienced. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.

Tears in the tougher outer layer of the disc are common as we grow older, and when the discs begin to lose fluid, they become smaller and less flexible. In addition to aging, other factors that may come into play, including obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, frequency of exercise and previous injury.

Pain caused by degeneration is often treated with hot or cold packs and an anti inflammatory medication. When disc degeneration causes problems like herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis, other forms of treatment may be beneficial. This may include physical therapy, stretching, and in some cases, surgery. There are things you can do to prevent pain and stay healthy. If you are experiencing frequent back or neck pain, be sure to visit our office for an examination so we can create a treatment plan for you.

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Office Hours

South Haven

Monday:

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

3:45 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

St. Joseph

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed