How does the disc become damaged?

When the disc is exposed to aging, wear and tear or traumatic injury several things can happen.

1.) The disc becomes less spongy and starts to dehydrate. This causes the disc to shrink and become smaller in size (flatter). This process is called degenerative disc disease.

2.) The fluid inside begins to bulge outward. This is what we commonly call a disc bulge. This can progress further and break through the outer wall of the disc and become a disc herniation.

 

What are the symptoms of a disc herniation?

When a disc herniation occurs, its starts to affect all the structures around it. The disc protrusion or the inflammation caused by the protrusion may push against the nearby spinal nerve roots and cause pain. Depending on which nerves are affected you may have pain, numbness and tingling shooting into the extremities.

 

Detailed Examination

In order to treat a disc herniation correctly, the doctor will perform a detailed initial examination. This exam will test your motor, reflex, and sensory function. He/she may also refer you for diagnostic studies to get a better understanding of the extent of the damage to the disc.

 

Great treatment options

• gentle chiropractic treatment

• rehabilitative exercises to strengthen and stabilize the spine

• class 4 laser therapy & therapy, which decreases inflammation and pain