CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND DISC PROBLEMS

Since spinal discs have a very poor blood supply, they depend apon the circulation of joint fluids to bring in nutrients and expel waste. If a spinal joint loses its normal motion and this pumping action is impaired, the health of the disc deteriorates. Like a wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry sponge is hard, stiff, and can crack easily. This is how many disc problems begin.

Because of the way each disc is attached to the veterbra above and below it, a disc cannot "slip" as commonly thought. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, putting pressure on the spinal chord and nerve roots, interfering with their function. The chiropractic approach to disc problems is to help restore better motion and position to the spinal joint. Besides reducing disc bulging, better spinal function helps reduce inflammation and begin the slow process of healing the surrounding soft tissues can begin. While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing conservative chiropractic care. The traditional approach to disc problems often ignores spinal function. Conservative chiropractic care is safer and often more effective than back surgery. Because they are attached to vertebrae, discs do not slip, but they do tear; bulge, herniate, prolapse and dessicate

DISC TEAR
The most common disc injury is a small crack or micro-tear in the tough, outer cartilage material of the disc called annular fiber's.. This allows the fluid to start leaking out, and the disc begins to wear thin.

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