To understand whether chiropractic treatment is good for herniated disc, we have to first understand what a herniated disc means and what is meant by chiropractic treatment?
Discs are located in the spinal cord in between the vertebrae allowing the spine to bend. Such an inter-vertebral disc consists of an outer fibrous ring and a central soft portion. The movement of the vertebrae allows blood and fluids to pass through to this disc supplying it with essential nourishment. When a disc does not receive proper nourishment due to lack of movement, the outer ring dries up and tears resulting in bulging of the central soft portion. This is called herniated disc, also known as slipped disc or disc protrusion.
A herniated disc is often adjudged as the cause for back pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, tingling or burning sensation and other abnormalities of the lower body. All people having a herniated disc need not necessarily suffer from pain or discomfort. Only when the bulge of the disc compresses a nerve does it result in inflammation or pain.
Following are some of the symptoms caused by herniated disc problem:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both arms and one or both legs or feet.
- Pain in one leg which is common and sometimes in both legs
- Pain radiating from the buttocks and traveling down one thigh to the calf
- Total discomfort while lying down in any position
- Aching or twisted neck like a sprain which gives severe pain
- Disrution in bowel and bladder clearing
- Numbness in the groin
Herniated Disc Treatment
Herniated disc can be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid medication, cortisone injections and as a final option surgery. Surgery is a last option since it is invasive and not always successful.
Chiropractic treatment is a very good alternate to surgery if it is successful. Chiropractic in Greek means to perform with hands. Chiropractors have always believed that biochemical and structural derangement of the spine can affect the nervous system. They use pressure of their hands to manipulate the spinal cord into position and restore spinal movement which improves function and reduces pain. After years of practice chiropractors are trained to locate subluxations and correct them. They also use massage and stretching to relax shortened muscles. There are methods to decompress the vertebrae and allow the disc to heal by itself.
Early Diagnosis
Any treatment including chiropractic treatment cannot completely make up for years of neglect of spinal health. Lack of exercise, incorrect lifting methods, incorrect bending methods, improper posture while sitting and walking, lack of nutritive food are all the various ways of abusing your spine. So, an early diagnosis and proper treatment will go a long way in setting right the problem and relieving you of pain. Chiropractic treatment is highly recommended for such pains since it is non surgical and healthier.
No related posts.