An astounding 80% of Americans will suffer from lower back pain once in their lifetime. Furthermore, lumbar disc herniations are one of the most common causes of low back pain; a condition involving the intervertebral discs in the lower spine.
The intervertebral disc is the cushion-like substance that separates each vertebra and acts as a shock absorber in the spine. Each disc contains a soft, jelly-like substance within the center known as the nucleus pulposus. Due to either degeneration (general wear and tear) or a traumatic injury, the outer portion of the disc can become torn, causing the nucleus to bulge or protrude out. Once the herniation compresses or irritates a surrounding nerve, the person may experience dull back pain, shooting leg pain or “sciatica”, as well as numbness or tingling sensations.
In some instances back surgery or pain medication may be absolutely necessary in treating lumbar disc herniations, however majority of cases can be managed conservatively and have the ability to heal on its own. Though painkillers are the most commonly given treatment for low back pain, they do not eliminate the problem and simply mask the pain and symptoms of a disc herniation. The “success” of back surgery is also controversial because not only is it an expensive procedure, but it may cause complications resulting in worsening pain or nerve damage.
The intervertebral disc is the cushion-like substance that separates each vertebra and acts as a shock absorber in the spine. Each disc contains a soft, jelly-like substance within the center known as the nucleus pulposus. Due to either degeneration (general wear and tear) or a traumatic injury, the outer portion of the disc can become torn, causing the nucleus to bulge or protrude out. Once the herniation compresses or irritates a surrounding nerve, the person may experience dull back pain, shooting leg pain or “sciatica”, as well as numbness or tingling sensations.
In some instances back surgery or pain medication may be absolutely necessary in treating lumbar disc herniations, however majority of cases can be managed conservatively and have the ability to heal on its own. Though painkillers are the most commonly given treatment for low back pain, they do not eliminate the problem and simply mask the pain and symptoms of a disc herniation. The “success” of back surgery is also controversial because not only is it an expensive procedure, but it may cause complications resulting in worsening pain or nerve damage.
Click for the Full Article
Chiropractic is one of the most-effective conservative forms of treatment for herniated discs because it addresses the root of the problem and corrects spinal misalignments that cause nerve irritation. There is a misconception among some medical professionals and the general public that chiropractors simply “pop” the herniation back in place with a forceful manipulation, however this is untrue. Low-force techniques, including flexion-distraction, is effective in treating lumbar disc herniations because it helps to increase disc height and allow the nucleus pulposus to gradually assume its normal position within the center of the disc. Using passive motion, this technique also increases blood flow to the affected area to aid in healing. Together, this technique helps to decrease the inflammation of the nerve and surrounding tissues, and eventually the associated pain and other symptoms.