What Is a Slipped Disc?
You may not be familiar with the term spinal disc injury, although an injury of this type can often be referred to by other names, such as a pinched nerve or a slipped disc. It can cause lower back pain and sciatica and even weakness or numbness if a nerve is being compressed.
The spine is primarily made up of a series of bones called vertebrae interspersed with discs which, along with the spinal joints, give your spine the movement that you need to move about your day doing the things you need to do.
The discs are a flat circular capsule-like structure, made up of solid fibrous rings on the outside (annulus fibrosis) with a soft, almost jelly-like centre (nucleus pulposus). These spinal discs act as shock absorbing cushions, similar to those in a car.
Causing Your Symptoms
Could a Disc Herniation be causing my symptoms? A normal and healthy disc is very strong, however, it can wear over time due to normal wear and tear and strain especially with repeated and excessive bending, twisting, lifting or prolonged sitting. The tough outer fibers can eventually tear allowing the nucleus to move back toward your spinal nerves and pushing into the spinal canal causing intense spinal pain. A disc herniation can also put pressure on both the spinal cord and the nerves causing pain or numbness in the limbs, weak muscles and bowel or bladder issues. This is known as a disc herniation. Spinal disc pain can be excruciating and even a small movement can cause it to flare up.
The phrase âslipped discâ is an interesting one when it is used to describe lower back or neck pain because discs cannot actually slip out. They can certainly wear out, tear or become herniated, but they cannot slip.
Bulging or Herniated Disc Injuries
Disc bulging or herniation can occur suddenly due to a single injury or accident, but it is more likely to occur after years of degenerative change happening gradually. Often a patient will perform a relatively simple task such as bending or lifting which suddenly produces pain and symptoms, however the damage usually started long before.
Slipped Disc Treatment
Regardless of whether you consult your chiropractor or physician the aim of any initial treatment should essentially be the same. Reduce the inflammatory response in the region (Ice, NSAIDS, etc.), improve spinal motion of the region (spinal manipulation, mobilization, targeted exercises) and stopping any activities that place stress on or aggravate the disc.
It is important to note that before any treatment is started a thorough examination should be performed to confirm that the disc is actually causing your symptoms as there are many other causes that can cause the same symptoms.
How Dr. Becker Approaches a Spinal Disc Injury
When you come in for an appointment, Dr. Becker performs a thorough history and examination including functional, neurological and orthopedic testing where necessary, to attempt to diagnose exactly what is causing your symptoms. If necessary an X-ray, CT scan or an MRI will be arranged to help accurately assess any damage to your vertebra and discs.
Once Dr. Becker has a working diagnosis he will design a specific treatment program for you aimed at improving your spinal function and reducing your symptoms. He will also give you specific exercises and other advice about what you can do at home to potentially speed up your recovery and prevent further injury.
If you have what you believe may be a spinal disc injury, please call Dr. Becker today. Dr. Becker is a Chiropractor in West Los Angeles (West LA) and specializes in treating spinal disc injuries, lower back pain and sciatica. Dr. Becker is committed to relieving your pain using the principles of conservative chiropractic care, by finding and fixing the cause of your condition quickly. Dr. Becker frequently sees patients from the surrounding neighborhoods in West Los Angeles (West LA) including Culver City, Century City and Beverly Hills. Please feel free to call with any questions or comments (310)277â8822.