Boca Raton Specific Chiropractic May Help Disc Herniation and Disc Bulge

 

According to WebMD:

 

Wear and tear, also called disc degeneration, is the usual cause of a herniated disc . As we age, the discs in our back lose some of the fluid that helps them stay flexible. The outer layer of the discs can form tiny tears or cracks. The thick gel inside the disc may be forced out through those cracks and cause the disc to bulge or break open.

 

This can also happen when you injure your back. Injury can occur from:

• A sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back. Sometimes a sudden twisting movement or even a sneeze will force some of the material out.

• Activities that are done over and over again that may stress the lower back, including poor lifting habits, prolonged exposure to vibration, and sports-related injuries.

 

While Specific Chiropractic does not directly treat the disc herniation or disc bulge, it may help increase your ability to overcome these symptoms by decreasing stress to your nervous system and improving overall function. When your nervous system is stressed and your muscles are tight and stiff you are placing abnormal strain throughout your neck and and back. This strain increases your risk and likelihood of you injuring your neck and back which may lead to disc herniations, disc bulges, or worse.

 

Our doctors in Boca Raton may help disc herniations and disc buldges while offering relief through their specific approach to health care.

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What is a Disc Herniation or Disc Bulge?

A disc herniation and a disc bulge are conditions that affect the spinal discs, which are soft, rubbery pads located between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). These discs act as cushions, providing flexibility and absorbing shock.

• Disc Bulge: A disc bulge occurs when the outer layer of the disc, known as the annulus fibrosus, weakens, causing the disc to bulge out beyond its normal perimeter. The bulging disc may press on surrounding nerves, causing pain and discomfort, but the inner disc material remains intact.

• Disc Herniation (Slipped or Ruptured Disc): A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc tears, allowing the inner gel-like core (nucleus pulposus) to protrude out. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to more severe pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the herniation.

Common Symptoms of Disc Bulge and Herniation:

• Pain in the back, neck, or limbs

• Numbness or tingling, especially in the arms or legs

• Muscle weakness

• Reduced mobility or stiffness

Medical Treatment for Disc Herniation or Disc Bulge

Medical treatment varies based on the severity of the symptoms and whether the disc is bulging or herniated. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause of the issue. Common treatments include:

1. Medications:

   • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are often used to reduce pain and inflammation.

   • Muscle Relaxants: These are prescribed to relieve muscle spasms associated with disc problems.

   • Corticosteroids: Oral or injectable steroids may be used to reduce inflammation around the affected area.

   • Pain Relievers: In severe cases, stronger painkillers or opioids may be prescribed for short-term relief.

2. Physical Therapy:

   • Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, improve flexibility, and stabilize the affected area. A physical therapist may design a program that includes stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises.

   • Specific exercises targeting the back and core can help support the spine and reduce pressure on the disc.

3. Epidural Steroid Injections:

   • For severe pain, doctors may inject corticosteroids directly into the space around the spinal nerves. This can help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerve roots.

4. Surgical Intervention:

   • Discectomy or Microdiscectomy: If conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms, or if there is significant nerve compression, surgery may be necessary. In these procedures, the herniated portion of the disc is removed to relieve pressure on the nerves.

   • Spinal Fusion or Artificial Disc Replacement: In some cases, spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement may be performed to stabilize the spine.

5. Chiropractic Care:

   • Traditional chiropractic care may involve spinal manipulation or adjustments aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility. However, caution is exercised, especially with severe herniations, to avoid further injury.

6. Lifestyle Modifications:

   • Weight management, posture improvement, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition are recommended to reduce pressure on the spine.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help with Disc Herniation or Disc Bulge

Upper Cervical Chiropractic (UCC) focuses on the alignment of the upper part of the spine (the atlas and axis vertebrae) and its impact on the nervous system and overall spinal health. While UCC does not directly manipulate the lumbar or cervical regions where herniations typically occur, it can help in several ways:

1. Restoring Proper Spinal Alignment:

   • Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can create imbalances throughout the entire spine, leading to increased pressure on the lower back and neck. By correcting these upper cervical misalignments, UCC can help restore balance and reduce compensatory stresses on other parts of the spine, potentially alleviating pressure on a bulging or herniated disc.

2. Enhancing Nervous System Function:

   • The upper cervical spine plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the nervous system. Misalignments here can cause nerve interference, leading to muscle imbalances, inflammation, and pain. By restoring proper alignment, UCC helps optimize nervous system function, which can reduce pain signals and promote healing.

3. Reducing Muscle Tension and Inflammation:

   • Misalignments in the upper cervical region can cause compensatory muscle tension throughout the back and neck. This tension can aggravate disc problems by putting additional pressure on the affected area. Upper cervical adjustments help relax these muscles, reducing tension and inflammation around the bulging or herniated disc.

4. Improving Posture and Biomechanics:

   • Upper cervical misalignments can contribute to poor posture, which is a risk factor for disc issues. By addressing these misalignments, UCC can help improve overall posture and biomechanics, reducing the stress on the lower back and neck and preventing further disc degeneration.

5. Holistic and Preventive Approach:

   • UCC provides a non-invasive, drug-free approach that focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. Regular care can help prevent further injuries, reduce pain, and enhance mobility without relying on medications or surgery. It can be a complementary therapy to physical therapy and other medical treatments, providing an integrated approach to managing disc conditions.

6. Support for Recovery:

   • If someone is recovering from surgery or other medical treatments for a herniated disc, UCC can support recovery by ensuring that the entire spine is aligned, allowing the body to heal more effectively and reducing the risk of future complications.

Conclusion:

Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a holistic, non-invasive way to support the management and recovery of disc herniations or bulges by improving spinal alignment, enhancing nervous system function, and addressing compensatory muscle tension. While it may not replace direct treatments for herniated or bulging discs, it can be a valuable complement to traditional medical and physical therapies, helping individuals manage pain and improve their quality of life.