Back pain is easily one of the top reasons why people visit a chiropractor. Herniated discs are in turn one of the most common maladies behind back pain (especially in people over 40). A Laguna Hills chiropractic center can offer back pain sufferers significant pain relief and provide a safe alternative to pain killers.
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 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.
He or she may also order X-rays or an MRI scan if they are deemed necessary. Based on the information gathered, the chiropractor will then design a care plan tailored to the patient's particular needs. This will likely include spinal manipulation to correct any abnormalities in its shape and ease any pressure on the discs and nerves.
The chiropractor may also make adjustments to the neck and pelvis, and may stretch and massage specific muscles. An additional intervention is spinal decompression. This is the practice of gently elongating the spine on a traction table (or a motorized device) to ease pressure on the discs and thus reduce pain.
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 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.
He or she may also order X-rays or an MRI scan if they are deemed necessary. Based on the information gathered, the chiropractor will then design a care plan tailored to the patient's particular needs. This will likely include spinal manipulation to correct any abnormalities in its shape and ease any pressure on the discs and nerves.
The chiropractor may also make adjustments to the neck and pelvis, and may stretch and massage specific muscles. An additional intervention is spinal decompression. This is the practice of gently elongating the spine on a traction table (or a motorized device) to ease pressure on the discs and thus reduce 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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