Disc Problems: |
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Discs are
very
important to
the core of
the spine as
each one
attaches to
the
vertebra,
providing
the proper
spacing for
pairs of
nerve roots
to exit the
spine from
between each
joint.
Healthy
discs
provide
flexibility
for normal
turning and
bending,
thus
producing a
pumping
action that
supplies
proper disc
nutrition
and waste
removal. A
traumatized
disc can
cause disc
tissue to
adapt to a
wedge-like
shape.
Unfortunately,
while this
position can
encroach
upon
adjacent
nerve
tissue, pain
or other
obvious
symptoms may
not present
themselves
until a
later time.
It has been
even found
that
uncorrected,
long-standing
vertebral
subluxations
can make
discs
susceptible
to damage.
A disc
can thin,
wedge,
protrude,
tear or even
herniated.
Also,
similar to a
blister,
disc tissue
has the
possibility
to bulge. As
the soft
nucleus of
the disc is
compressed,
it pushes
outward
where the
disc wall is
weakest
causing
symptoms,
like
sciatica, as
it affects
nearby
nerves. The
most extreme
form of disc
damage is
when the
disc
ruptures and
leaking its
contents
into
surrounding
tissues.
This causes
the discs
cushioning
and
separating
functions to
disappear
making
movement
painful. At
this point
surgical
intervention
often
becomes
involved. |
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COMMON
QUESTIONS: |
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How does chiropractic care help disc problems?
The purpose of chiropractic care is to locate and correct areas of the spine that interfere with the proper nervous system control of your body. Because the intervertebral discs are so close to the spinal cord and nerve roots, disc involvement is quite common in chiropractic cases. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and position of malfunctioning spinal bones, reducing nervous system involvement. If caught before permanent damage occurs, disc tissue often returns to a more normal size and shape.
Aren’t disc problems simply part of the normal aging process?
No. However, many disc problems are the result of years of neglect. Many spinal problems are nonsymptomatic until the advanced stages of degeneration. Many elderly patients who have maintained their spines throughout their lives continue to enjoy excellent spinal health and function. |
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