Normally, each vertebral disc can be found sandwiched between two vertebrae supported by ligaments. The discs are made up of collagen wherein each disc has tough outer core and soft inner core. In a disc disorder, the fibrous tissue (annulus fibrosus) constraining the soft disc material (nucleus pulposus) may tear or become compressed due to degeneration, wear and tear, or trauma.
Disc disorders are classified either contained or non-contained discs. Contained discs are essentially intact but protruding where they do not belong, while non-contained discs are ruptured that they also may protrude into other area of the spine and, leaking their fluid that can irritate delicate soft tissues of the spinal cord.
An example of a contained disc disorder is a bulging disc. It has not broken open. The nucleus pulposus is still within the annulus fibrosus and does not leak out. This can be a precursor to herniation, which is an example of a non-contained disc where the nucleus pulposus leaks out from the annulus fibrosus.
Disc disorders can cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. Mostly, the disc bulges, protrusions, and extrusions occur in a postero-lateral direction by which the disc has moved backwards and to one side. When this happens, the disc may impinge upon a spinal nerve that may result to pain on one side of the back.
In medical literatures, disc disorders are frequently associated to spinal trauma. Usually, trauma is directed at the neck during auto accidents, head injuries, sports accidents, and falls. The brain stem has the control center for the postural muscles of the spine. If an injury to the upper neck happens, the brain’s normal control over the postural muscles would be interrupted. This can lead to muscular weakness, atrophy and spasm throughout the neck and back that can cause compression of the spinal vertebrae and to its discs.
When a vertebra is misaligned, it can press the nerves which results in inflammation. The pain may even travel to the legs. Chiropractic treatment can relieve the pain. Before administering any program, a chiropractor studies the patient’s medical history first. The patient is required to undergo neurological and physical tests before starting the chiropractic program.
To be able to determine the site of the problem, a chiropractor checks the posture and structure of the spine. Once detected, the chiropractic program may start. A highly recommended therapy, the spinal decompression, may be performed by the chiropractor.
Spinal decompression when combined with rehabilitation help the patients achieve stability and correction. Rehabilitation enhances and stabilizes the benefits of spinal decompression and can also rehydrate a degenerative disc. Appropriate use of decompression therapy and effective application of rehab protocol allow the restoration of the spine and can produce lasting and predicable results.