A herniated disc is commonly (and misleadingly) referred to as a "slipped disc". It is a medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the cartilage between the vertebrae becomes inflamed and bulges outward.
There are two common types of herniated discs. Lumbar disc herniation is the cause of lower back pain, as well as pain in the leg, buttocks, thigh and even feet or toes. It often affects the sciatic or femoral nerves causing numbness and tingling in the leg or hip. Cervical disc herniation occurs in the neck between the fifth and sixth or sixth and seventh vertebrae causing pain in the back of the skull, neck, shoulder, arm, and even hand.
Disc herniations can occur from the wear and tear of normal life. Particularly susceptible individuals are those who work at jobs that involve a great deal of sitting and especially for those whose jobs involve lifting. Chronic back tiredness due to lifting and twisting can make a patient more susceptible to a disc herniation.
A herniated disc is typically diagnosed through tests including a "straight leg" exercise to determine disc sensitivity. Xrays are often used to rule out tumors, fractures and other structural issues. CAT scans are effective in diagnosing disc herniations, as they can show the size and shape of the spinal canal as well as its soft tissue. MRI scans are often the best diagnostic tool because they show a three dimensional view of the spine providing the best view of the spinal cord, nerves, and any degeneration.
Herniated discs will often heal themselves in approximately six weeks' time and usually do not require surgery. Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen are usually suggested although the long-term use of these medicines, even in over-the-counter doses, can lead to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal upset and even toxicity. Conservative treatment alternatives have also been shown to be helpful in alleviating herniated discs including physical therapy, massage therapy, bed rest, and chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care for herniated discs is distinct from medical care in that chiropractors evaluate a patient's posture to determine areas of restriction in spinal joint motion through muscle testing and pelvic balance tests.
Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors do not "pop a disc back into place" with forceful adjustments but instead take a low-force approach such as the flexion-distraction technique. It is the most widely used chiropractic treatment of herniated discs. It involves no pain and uses a specialized table that allows for gentle stretching of the spine so the chiropractor can isolate the disc. This traction technique improves disc height and allows the soft tissue enough space to return to its normal position.
In addition to physiological treatment, chiropractors also consider lifestyle and nutritional factors in the treatment of the patient usually advising improvements in eating habits and stress levels to help alleviate the pain and inflammation of herniated discs.
Regardless of the type of treatment chosen to treat a herniated disc, proper care of the back and avoidance of risk factors such as heavy lifting are key in keeping the back healthy and in good condition.
Author Resource:-
Do you suffer from chronic low back pain, headaches, spinal surgery, or want to lose weight? The Incorporation of Progressive Rehabilitation with latest in chiropractic care will help. For more info, go to HealthSourceChiro.com
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 