Prolapsed (Slipped) Disc
Inter Vertebral Discs (IVDs) are the cartilage pads that
separate the vertebrae in your spinal column. Inter vertebral
discs are made of outer fibrous rings (annulus fibrosus) attached
to the vertebrae, with a softer gel like ball in the middle
of the disc (nucleus pulposus).
The discs act as shock absorbers and help to spread load
within your spine. They also help with freedom of movement.
Some people talk about the discs in your spine “slipping”.
The discs in your back cannot actually slip
out. It is better to classify them as bulging or herniated.
A chiropractor can help assess if you have true lower back
disc trouble.
When you suffer from a disc injury, as is the case with other
injuries you suffer, an inflammatory reaction around the area
of damage takes place, resulting in radiating pain down the
arm or leg or across the chest depending on where the injury
site is. You can also suffer muscle weakness and pins and
needles.
If you come to Essential chiropractic clinic with a suspected
disc problem, your chiropractor will perform various neurological
and orthopaedic tests to arrive at a diagnosis.
Your chiropractor may arrange for you to get an X-ray of
your spine. X-rays will assess your bone and joint quality
only, whilst an MRI is needed to see the quality of your discs
and nerves. If there is a disc problem your chiropractor will
tell you and depending on their findings recommend a multi-modal
approach to treatment that may well include spinal manipulative
therapy or if nerves are severely compressed refer you to
a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon for spinal surgery assessment.
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