Easily one of the most common reasons why people seek the assistance of a chiropractor is back pain. One of the most common causes of back pain (particularly in those over 40) is a herniated disc. A Laguna Hills chiropractic office can help patients find some much-needed relief from this annoying and painful problem.
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.
He or she may also order X-rays or an MRI scan if they are deemed necessary. Based on the information gathered, the chiropractor will then design a care plan tailored to the patient's particular needs. This will likely include spinal manipulation to correct any abnormalities in its shape and ease any pressure on the discs and nerves.
Adjustments may also be made to the pelvis and neck, and specific muscle groups may be stretched and/or massaged. Spinal decompression is another technique that can prove extremely beneficial. It involves gently extending the spine using a motorized device or a traction table, and by easing pressure on the discs, it can significantly alleviate pain.
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.
He or she may also order X-rays or an MRI scan if they are deemed necessary. Based on the information gathered, the chiropractor will then design a care plan tailored to the patient's particular needs. This will likely include spinal manipulation to correct any abnormalities in its shape and ease any pressure on the discs and nerves.
Adjustments may also be made to the pelvis and neck, and specific muscle groups may be stretched and/or massaged. Spinal decompression is another technique that can prove extremely beneficial. It involves gently extending the spine using a motorized device or a traction table, and by easing pressure on the discs, it can significantly alleviate pain.
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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