Slipped disc?

The terms slipped, herniated and bulging disc are often heard in conversations whenever our backs are the topic....even outside of the chiropractor's office. Let me help you to understand a bit more about this problem and some possible solutions for those that have been diagnosed with slipped, herniated or bulging discs. Discs do not actually "slip." Rather, they may herniate or bulge outward. A herniation is a displaced fragment of the center part of the disc that is pushed through a tear in the outer layer of the disc.

Pain may result when irritating substances are released from this tear and also if the fragment touches or compresses a nearby nerve. Disc herniation has some similarities to degenerative disc disease and discs that are herniated are often in the early stage of degeneration. Herniated discs are common in the low back or lumbar spine. It's not uncommon for people to hear the term herniation associated with their disc and believe that their only course of action is surgery. This is simply not true. There certainly are cases where disc herniation does require surgery, but there are so many other options to look into before choosing to go the surgery route. Certainly many people have been helped with surgery, but my strong suggestion is to try other alternatives first. This is where your chiropractor can help.

What causes discs to herniate? Many factors decrease the strength and resiliency of the disc and increase the risk of disc herniation. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition contribute to poor disc health. Poor posture, daily wear and tear, injury or trauma, and incorrect lifting or twisting further stress the disc. If the disc is already weakened, it may herniate with a single movement or strain such as coughing or bending to pick up even a pencil.

How do I know if I have a disc herniation? Herniated discs are most likely to first be detected in people between the ages of 30 and 40. Herniations may be present without any pain. The most common symptom will be pain in the area of the herniation that may radiate across the hips or into the buttocks. You may also experience numbness or pain radiating down your leg to the ankle or foot. If the herniation is large enough, you may notice weakness with extension of your big toe and you may be unable to walk on your toes or heels In severe cases of lumbar disc herniation, you may experience changes in your bowel or bladder function and may have difficulty with sexual function.

How is a disc herniation treated? Mild to moderate disc herniations can usually be treated conservatively with stretching, exercise therapy and, of course, chiropractic care. There are more advanced cases where referral to an orthopaedic surgeon is required to consider other options including the possibility of surgical intervention.

So...when you hear the term herniated, bulging or slipped disc, it doesn't mean that the only option you have is surgery. I'm told that many that suffer from disc herniation may have believed that surgery was a necessity and their only option for relief of their symptoms. Have your spine checked by a chiropractor first and discuss all your options.

If you would like to learn more about disc herniation or chiropractic care, you can reach us at (208) 762-1414. You can also find us at www.CDAHealth.com or Twitter and Facebook by searching "Spoelstra Family Chiropractic."