Chiropractic care for spinal disc problems is steadily increasing in popularity. Research proves the effectiveness for chiropractic for these types of problems. As such medical doctors and therapists are referring their patients out for Chiropractic care.
Spinal disc problems can be debilitating, causing significant pain and severely limiting mobility. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common spinal problems. DDD causes back pain that extends into the hip and/or leg or the arm and/or hand.
Types of Care
DDD is a degeneration or thinning of the spinal discs. Degeneration disrupts the mechanics of the spine and contributes to bulging discs. When a disc bulges or herniates (sometimes referred to as a “slipped disc”) it presses on spinal nerves. Traditional treatment of this condition usually consists of strong pain medication and surgery.
Patients who are dealing with pain from discs respond well to chiropractic care. Surgery has long been a primary medical answer to pain relief for these spinal conditions. Medical doctors in the know refer to chiropractic as it is an effective nonsurgical option.
Symptoms of Spine and Disc Injuries
Spine or disc symptoms include neck and back pain, stiffness, arm pain, leg pain, and tenderness in the muscles or the spine itself. Other more serious symptoms include:
- Back pain accompanied by fever
- Loss of control of bladder or bowel
- Severe weakness that inhibits the ability to use arms, legs, walk, etc.
- Loss of sensation in both arms and/or both buttocks
- Inability to defecate or urinate
Most spine conditions are correctable with chiropractic care. More serious or life threatening symptoms may require medical intervention.
Diagnosis of Disc injuries
Spinal problems are diagnosed by a combination of complete physical examination and a thorough patient history. During the examination the patient’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems are carefully assessed. Other diagnostic tools include x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The preferable course of care for spine problems is conservative in nature. Early detection and correction is key for improving spine problems. The preferred methodology for helping people with disc injuries is the Chiropractic Adjustment.
Chiropractic Adjustments and Caring for a Disc Injury
Chiropractic helps relieve the pain and pressure through the precise application of an adjustment. Adjustments are small movements of the structure that illicit effects on the nerve system. They are like a light switch that allows electricity to light the bulb. Adjustments halt the debilitating progression of spinal problems while relieving pain and increasing mobility.
Chiropractic adjustment is an effective and safe treatment for disc problems and associated pain. In some cases therapeutic exercise may be added to the treatment and this too has been shown to be very effective.
Movement is also crucial to healing and the sooner the patient gets back on their feet, the better. Back problems are exacerbated when the patient stays in bed or coddles their back. It can result in long term back problems. Walking and moving are beneficial.
In most cases, chiropractic care is sufficient and surgery of the spine or injections are unnecessary to manage the problems. These more invasive therapies often create more problems than they cure. Chiropractic care should be the first course of action for spine related pain, injury, or problems. So if you or a loved one are suffering from spinal disc problems, make sure you give us a call. We’re here to help!
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