Back pain is easily one of the top reasons why people visit a chiropractor. Herniated discs are in turn one of the most common maladies behind back pain (especially in people over 40). A Laguna Hills chiropractic center can offer back pain sufferers significant pain relief and provide a safe alternative to pain killers.
At this point some clarification over terminology may be helpful since a herniated (or bulging) disc is not the same as a ruptured disc. A herniated disc is one whose soft inner nucleus has protruded through the disc's outer membrane. This is less serious than a rupture and the resulting pain is easier to assuage.
A rupture on the other hand is more serious and occurs when the disc's outer membrane has broken, allowing the nucleus to extend outwards. This is a more acute problem and a more challenging one to care for. The pain in both conditions is caused by the disc's nucleus pressing on nerve roots, the sciatic nerve or the spinal cord.
Fortunately, a chiropractor has quite a few options when it comes to caring for patients with this problem. Before any plan of care is begun however, each patient is given a full examination. In the main, the chiropractor will check the patient's reflexes, posture, nerve sensation and muscle strength.
An MRI scan or X-rays may also be ordered if the practitioner feels they need more detailed information. Once the examination has been made, a course of care will be decided upon. Likely included will be some spinal manipulation since this aims to correct any misalignment and thus release pressure on the discs and nerves.
Other chiropractic adjustments may also be made, as well as the massage and stretching of muscles. Another intervention that can be used in these cases is spinal decompression. This involves gently stretching the spine using a traction table or motorized device with the aim of reducing pain by reducing pressure on the discs.
At this point some clarification over terminology may be helpful since a herniated (or bulging) disc is not the same as a ruptured disc. A herniated disc is one whose soft inner nucleus has protruded through the disc's outer membrane. This is less serious than a rupture and the resulting pain is easier to assuage.
A rupture on the other hand is more serious and occurs when the disc's outer membrane has broken, allowing the nucleus to extend outwards. This is a more acute problem and a more challenging one to care for. The pain in both conditions is caused by the disc's nucleus pressing on nerve roots, the sciatic nerve or the spinal cord.
Fortunately, a chiropractor has quite a few options when it comes to caring for patients with this problem. Before any plan of care is begun however, each patient is given a full examination. In the main, the chiropractor will check the patient's reflexes, posture, nerve sensation and muscle strength.
An MRI scan or X-rays may also be ordered if the practitioner feels they need more detailed information. Once the examination has been made, a course of care will be decided upon. Likely included will be some spinal manipulation since this aims to correct any misalignment and thus release pressure on the discs and nerves.
Other chiropractic adjustments may also be made, as well as the massage and stretching of muscles. Another intervention that can be used in these cases is spinal decompression. This involves gently stretching the spine using a traction table or motorized device with the aim of reducing pain by reducing pressure on the discs.
About the Author:
You can get fast neck, spine and hip pain relief through chiropractic care. Get more information about a well-respected Laguna Hills chiropractic doctor at http://www.claytonthomasnoel.com now.
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