Back pain continues to be one of the main issues for people who seek chiropractic care. Herniated discs in particular are one of the leading causes of back pain for many Americans. Laguna Hills chiropractic care offers patients a drug-free alternative for this painful and debilitating condition.
Since there can be some confusion over terminology, it's worth pointing out the difference between a herniated (or bulging) disc and a ruptured disc. A disc is considered herniated when the soft gel-like nucleus of the disc protrudes through the outer casing (called the annulus). This is the less serious of these conditions and the easiest to tackle.
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.
When it comes to caring for patients with this malady, chiropractors have plenty of options at their disposal. First however, a full examination of the patient needs to be made. This will consist of checking (among other things) the patient's reflexes, posture, sensations (ability to feel in various parts of the body) and muscle strength.
X-rays or an MRI may also be undertaken if the practitioner requires them. When the examination is over, the chiropractor will draw up a plan of care that is custom made for the patient. This will almost certainly include spinal manipulation as this helps bring the spine back to its proper shape and release pressure on the discs and nerves.
Other chiropractic adjustments may also be made, as well as the massage and stretching of muscles. Another intervention that can be used in these cases is spinal decompression. This involves gently stretching the spine using a traction table or motorized device with the aim of reducing pain by reducing pressure on the discs.
Since there can be some confusion over terminology, it's worth pointing out the difference between a herniated (or bulging) disc and a ruptured disc. A disc is considered herniated when the soft gel-like nucleus of the disc protrudes through the outer casing (called the annulus). This is the less serious of these conditions and the easiest to tackle.
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.
When it comes to caring for patients with this malady, chiropractors have plenty of options at their disposal. First however, a full examination of the patient needs to be made. This will consist of checking (among other things) the patient's reflexes, posture, sensations (ability to feel in various parts of the body) and muscle strength.
X-rays or an MRI may also be undertaken if the practitioner requires them. When the examination is over, the chiropractor will draw up a plan of care that is custom made for the patient. This will almost certainly include spinal manipulation as this helps bring the spine back to its proper shape and release pressure on the discs and nerves.
Other chiropractic adjustments may also be made, as well as the massage and stretching of muscles. Another intervention that can be used in these cases is spinal decompression. This involves gently stretching the spine using a traction table or motorized device with the aim of reducing pain by reducing pressure on the discs.
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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