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Disc Injuries
One of the most affected areas seen in spinal injuries is the intervertebral discs. These discs act as ‘shock absorbers’ in between each vertebra. The disc is made up of a soft centered nucleus and a hard fibrous outer ring. Injury to these discs can range from mild inflammation from repetitive strain; to bulging and ruptures as a result of forceful compression injuries. At 4 Life Chiropractic patients with disc injuries often present with a localised sharp pain in the low back or neck; with more severe cases having shooting pain and sensation changes to the arms or legs.
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What Causes Disc Injuries?
Disc injuries can arise from a multitude of causes. The most common cause is repetitive strain/overloading of the disc due to work demands or posture. If the spine is not loaded properly during day-to-day activities, it can result in parts of the disc being under more pressure than others. The repetitive nature of this overloading can only be sustained for so long and can result in the inflammation or bulging of an intervertebral disc.
More severe cases that lead to herniations or rupturing of the disc are likely to be from a high-impact injury. If a sudden compressive force is put through the spine, the vertebra and surrounding muscles are unable to absorb it without the disc herniating or rupturing. Forceful accidents often include motor vehicle accidents, serious falls and sports-related injuries.
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OUR APPROACH
Chiropractic for Disc Injuries
At 4 Life Chiropractic, we must first identify if it is the disc or another part of the spine that is affected; as well as the severity of the injury. This is done with in-depth orthopedic testing and the ability to refer for detailed imaging to see the extent and level of the disc injury. Once this information is established, we can facilitate a rehabilitation program focusing on decompressing and mobilising the affected areas, while simultaneously strengthening the surrounding areas to prevent further flare-ups. It is important to understand that disc injuries can last for months depending on the severity; with patients that seek immediate treatment often having better outcomes than those who wait.
