Fort Myers Chiropractor.com

Spinal discs -  not disks.

Spinal discs are shock absorbers of the spine and they can bulge, herniate, degenerate and tear, but they don’t “slip.”There are 3 curves in the spine. One in your, one in your middle back and also in the lower back. The spinal discs and these 3 curves serve as the “shock absorbers” of your body. Separating each vertebra, they create space for the spinal nerves to exit the spinal cord. These nerves go to the organs and tissues of your body. The bulk of the discs contain rings of fibrous tissue called the annulus and the center of the disc is more of a soft jelly consistency.

We generally see two types of disc problems:

1. A bulging disc is defined as a weakened area of the annulus that can allow the softer center of the disc to bulge out like a balloon. Similar to a tire that bulges at a weak point when under pressure. This can put pressure on nearby nerves. Bulging discs respond well to Chiropractic care. You see when spinal vertebrae misalign, it puts the disc under a torque which can cause it to bulge. Aligning the spinal vertebrae can relieve the pressure and torque allowing the disc to return to normal. With improved spinal function we’ve seen many cases in which surgery was threatened, resolve nicely.

2. Herniated Disc: A herniated or ruptured disc is more serious. It can occur anywhere in the spine, but seems most common in the lower back due to increased stress on the lower region of the spine. This is when part of the soft center pushes out through a weakened area due to trauma or degeneration, putting pressure on the spinal cord.

Stretching techniques, simple exercises, such as walking, increased water intake and improved nutrition offer a natural, non-surgical resolution for many disc problems.

Many Chiropractors are offering disc decompression procedures that are very effective and the changes can be seen comparing pre and post MRI studies.

Keep your spine in line so you can feel fine!
If you need a chiropractor in SW Florida, visit SWFLSpinalCare.com.