Discs are cushions made of cartilage between the bones (vertebrae) in the spine that allow for us to move our spines and act as shock absorbers. As these discs take stress from injuries or just day-to-day life, they can begin to break down. The beginning of this breakdown is characterized by mild deformation of the discs and a decrease in their size called degeneration. Injuries or continual wear and tear can lead to a disc getting damaged to the point where part of it slips or bulges out of its normal position. This may not cause pain or problems immediately until it pushes against something it can irritate (most often a nerve). A disc that has progresses beyond the stage of the disc bulging or slipping can become herniated. A herniation is when the center of the disc is no longer properly centered. This is frequently associated with pain and much more often causes the disc to press on nerves. As a disc degenerates, it becomes more likely to tear. A tear of a disc is like a tear of a ligament (a sprained ankle or knee for example). It can be mild and barely even noticed or can be severe and possibly require surgery. Disc tears are almost always associated with injuries—from car accidents to lifting something, throwing something, or even just bending down.
Most Americans suffer from some degree of disc damage, even if they aren’t even aware of it. Over 1 in 3 Americans in their 20’s has some degree of disc degeneration and that number increases with age consistently to over 96% in their 80’s. A certain degree of disc degeneration is expected (though not considered normal) and is not likely to cause pain or create problems. When there is disc degeneration, it makes back injuries more likely and causes the recovery process to take longer.
Disc problems are a sign that there is extra stress on your spine. Untreated disc problems typically will worsen and cause back/neck pain or nerve pain (if they aren’t currently causing these issues), so, don’t just think that your it is no big deal. Call today or contact us to schedule your appointment today.
The Healing Process for Disc Problems In Springfield, IL
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
In order to effectively treat damage to the discs in the spine, we need to determine the disc or discs involved and the type of damage. You can expect a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with your doctor. We will ask you about the history of your issues to get as much useful information as we can. This helps us discover what kind of problem you have and exactly where it is to determine the best treatment plan possible. A comprehensive exam will follow the consultation to ensure we know exactly what is wrong with your disc(s). Once we understand this, we will begin to follow the treatment plan to get recovered as soon as possible.
Specific Chiropractic Adjustments in Springfield, IL
Specific chiropractic adjustments are a crucial part in repairing disc damage. When discs are damaged, their shape changes. That change in shape causes the bones in the spine to move out of their normal alignment. Specific chiropractic adjustments realign the spine and take pressure off of the discs to allow them to heal. In some cases, the disc is damaged severely, and adjustments must be performed extremely carefully to ensure no further damage is done. At Capitol Chiropractic Health Center, our detailed exam and consultation is done to ensure we know everything we can and avoid any worsening of your disc damage.
Specific Exercises Designed for You in Springfield IL
Every form of disc damage requires daily care. We prescribe exercises and/or stretches to all our patients with disc damage to ensure proper recovery. Without daily exercises, ful recovery is nearly impossible.
Acupuncture And Electrical Stimulation
When there is severe nerve involvement, inability to move much, or too much inflammation associated with your disc damage, the best treatment to help get it to a manageable place is acupuncture with electrical stimulation. This helps normalize muscle tone, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain until we can do specific chiropractic adjustments to ensure the most rapid recovery.
Frequent Questions about disc damage
How can I get fast pain relief?
Typically, with disc damage and the pain associated with it, medications offer some relief, but the pain does not go away until the stress if off the disc and it is allowed to heal properly. Fast, significant pain relief is often not an option for severe disc damage—the process takes hard work, consistent chiropractic care, and 10-24 weeks depending on various factors.
How do I know if my disc damage needs treatment?
Even though mild disc damage doesn’t necessarily cause pain or other symptoms, treatment for it is always important. Damage to discs is progressive—once it starts it slowly worsens and causes degeneration (arthritis). If left alone, it will certainly begin to cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness at some point. If you know or suspect you have damage to your discs, it is time to get evaluated as soon as possible. Contact us here or call us at (217) 391-5446 today to schedule an appointment.
Can chiropractors in Springfield, Illinois fix disc bulges, disc herniations, and other disc injuries?
Over the course of years, discs in the spine can heal slowly if there isn’t excess stress on them (like what is caused by subluxation or being out of alignment). If damage is severe, 100% healing is not expected, but pain and symptoms should resolve. Chiropractors are the best doctors for healing the discs in your spine naturally and effectively.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today by calling us at (217) 391-5446 or fill out the form below.