Chiropractic Care and Herniated Discs

Understanding Herniated Discs

The human spine is composed of individual bones known as vertebrae. Between each vertebra lies a natural cushion, the intervertebral disc. These discs absorb shock and compression while permitting easy spinal movement. With age or disease, the structural integrity of the intervertebral disc can be compromised, resulting in disc bulging or herniation.

Chiropractic care represents an alternative, conservative treatment option for disc herniation. This approach is preferred by numerous patients satisfied with this methodology for managing back pain. Currently, chiropractic therapy ranks as the third largest healthcare profession worldwide and has become a foundation in the back care industry.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a general term for an intervertebral spinal disc which has either ruptured or bulged, altering its normal shape and position in the spinal column. Several related conditions exist:

• Disc protrusions or slipped discs – those remaining intact
• Bulging discs – discs that expand beyond normal boundaries
• Prolapsed discs – discs that have shifted from position
• Ruptured discs – those that tear open
• Sequestered or extruded discs – those that spill nucleus contents into the body cavity

A true herniation occurs when the inner nucleus escapes through small tears in the outer annulus. While bulged discs are more common, disc herniation is more likely to cause symptoms and complications. Many bulged discs eventually progress into true herniation, which explains why people often consider them identical.

Location and Risk Factors

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the low back, likely because this area experiences the greatest stress and strain over time. Although most prevalent in the lumbar spine, herniated discs can also occur in the neck and mid-back. While disc herniation and bulging don't always produce symptoms, they often do when the displaced material contacts nerves.

Diagnosis Methods

A doctor of chiropractic, such as Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic, diagnoses disc herniation primarily through patient history and physical examination. Specific signs, symptoms, and orthopedic test results indicate whether a patient may be suffering from herniation. Since intervertebral discs do not appear on standard x-rays, diagnosis is often confirmed via specialized imaging such as MRI.

Treatment Options

Treatment for herniated intervertebral discs depends on multiple factors including age, symptom persistence and severity, and various other considerations. Standard medical treatment may include:

• Medications for pain and inflammation
• Injections
• Surgery

Many disc conditions resolve independently over time, making conservative treatment generally recommended before pursuing invasive options.

Chiropractic Approach

Chiropractors theorize that spinal misalignments affect nervous system function. They view the spine as a neurological pathway directing sensory, motor, and autonomic body functions. Perfect spinal alignment is considered necessary for optimal health. Movable spinal bones (vertebrae) can become subluxated when they shift from normal position. These vertebral subluxations are believed to cause disorders requiring chiropractic therapy.

Dr. Hinz examines the spine and neck using manual manipulation techniques to check for subluxations. After identifying misalignments, he applies core manipulation techniques to correct them. Treatment typically involves a series of sessions to manage vertebral subluxations in the spine, utilizing core manipulation to decompress vertebrae and allow disc regeneration over time.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategy

Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin, Tennessee utilizes chiropractic techniques, fitness counseling, wellness exercises, and necessary treatment procedures to alleviate muscle hypertonicity and pain related to intervertebral disc disorders. These interventions include:

• Advice on lifestyle modification
• Nutrition counseling
• Lumbar stabilizing exercises
• Body strengthening exercises to support back muscles

Prognosis and Outcomes

Many people panic upon herniated disc diagnosis, fearing surgery is inevitable. However, many cases respond well over time with conservative treatment. Research indicates only about 10% of patients with herniated discs causing noticeable symptoms eventually undergo surgery. Clinical studies show that only 10% of herniated disc patients receiving chiropractic care but still experiencing symptoms required surgical procedures.

Contact Cool Springs Chiropractic to discuss your specific case and the variety of conservative treatment options available. 615.503.9900