Easily one of the most common reasons why people seek the assistance of a chiropractor is back pain. One of the most common causes of back pain (particularly in those over 40) is a herniated disc. A Laguna Hills chiropractic office can help patients find some much-needed relief from this annoying and painful problem.
There is some confusion regarding terminology so it's worth clarifying the difference between a herniated disc (also known as a bulging disc) and a ruptured disc. Herniation occurs when the soft nucleus of the disc sticks out through its fibrous outer casing (known as the annulus). This condition is the less problematic of the two and is easier to alleviate.
A disc is deemed ruptured when the nucleus makes a more complete break through its outer casing. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and presents a more severe medical problem. Either way, it's the pressure placed on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots or sciatic nerve that are the cause of the pain.
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.
Adjustments may also be made to the pelvis and neck, and specific muscle groups may be stretched and/or massaged. Spinal decompression is another technique that can prove extremely beneficial. It involves gently extending the spine using a motorized device or a traction table, and by easing pressure on the discs, it can significantly alleviate pain.
There is some confusion regarding terminology so it's worth clarifying the difference between a herniated disc (also known as a bulging disc) and a ruptured disc. Herniation occurs when the soft nucleus of the disc sticks out through its fibrous outer casing (known as the annulus). This condition is the less problematic of the two and is easier to alleviate.
A disc is deemed ruptured when the nucleus makes a more complete break through its outer casing. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and presents a more severe medical problem. Either way, it's the pressure placed on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots or sciatic nerve that are the cause of the pain.
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.
Adjustments may also be made to the pelvis and neck, and specific muscle groups may be stretched and/or massaged. Spinal decompression is another technique that can prove extremely beneficial. It involves gently extending the spine using a motorized device or a traction table, and by easing pressure on the discs, it can significantly alleviate pain.
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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