The vertebrae that compose the spine in your back are cushioned or protected by discs. Each disc has a round shape. It is similar to little pillows with a robust outer layer (annulus) that encompasses the nucleus. These discs work as shock absorbers for the spine's bones, positioned in-between each vertebra in your spinal column.
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A herniated disc is also known as slipped, bulged, or ruptured disc. It is a small fragment of the disc nucleus that is getting pressed out of the annulus. Then, it goes into the spinal canal through a rupture or tears in the annulus. When discs become herniated, it means they are usually in the early stages of degeneration.
The spinal canal has minimal space. In other words, it is inadequate for both the displaced herniated disc fragment and the spinal nerve. As a result, this displacement causes the disc to exert pressure on the spinal nerves, often producing excruciating pain.
In many cases, the first symptom is low back pain, and this pain may last for a few days. Other symptoms include the following:
Herniated discs can occur in any region of the spine. However, they frequently appear in the lower back (lumbar spine), and sometimes in the neck (cervical spine). The area in which pain originates usually depends on which part of the spine is affected.
A herniated disk most often occurs due to:
In children and young adults, their discs have high water content. However, as people become older, the water content in their discs becomes less. As a result, the discs become less flexible. Further, these discs start to shrink, and the spaces in between the vertebrae become narrow. Finally, the normal aging process affects the discs causing them to suffer a hernia.
Certain factors increase the risk of you getting a herniated disc. These are:
An upper cervical chiropractor can help deal with back pain and other herniated disc symptoms. Upper cervical chiropractic will help reduce your pain and get to the root cause of your health problems. Here’s how:
Your upper cervical chiropractor will want to see how well your spine functions overall, and remember: What occurs in one area of your spine can influence other parts of your body and spine.
Upper cervical chiropractors will always look for the root cause of your condition. If it is due to a misalignment in the first bones of your upper cervical spine, the C1 and C2 vertebrae, an upper cervical chiropractor will look into this area.
To care for a herniated disc properly, your chiropractor will develop an upper cervical care plan that may include spinal adjustments and other chiropractic procedures to alleviate your herniated disc pains and symptoms. It will be a personally tailored adjustment, which involves individualized therapy and therapeutic exercises. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective for most patients.
To answer the question: can a chiropractor help a herniated disc? The answer is yes. An upper cervical chiropractor can help you find relief from pain. Upper cervical care is natural (no drugs involved), low-force, and very precise. The procedure is gentle and safe.
You can search for an upper cervical chiropractor near you today by utilizing our search tool.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.