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The disc is a
small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones. The soft jellylike
center is contained by layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a
connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs
allow normal turning and bending.
Since spinal discs have a very
poor blood supply, they depend upon the circulation of
joint fluids to bring in nutrients and expel waste. If a spinal joint loses
its normal motion and this pumping action is impaired, the health of the
disc deteriorates. Like a wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry
sponge is hard, stiff, and can crack easily. This is how many disc problems
begin.
Because of the way each disc is attached to
the vertebra above and below it, a disc
cannot "slip" as commonly thought. However, trauma or injury to the spine
can cause discs to bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite
painful, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, interfering
with their function.
The chiropractic approach to disc problems
is to help restore better motion and position
to the spinal joint. Besides reducing the disc bulging, better spinal function
helps reduce inflammation and begin the slow process of healing the surrounding
soft tissues.
While results cannot be guaranteed,
many patients have avoided needless surgery or a
dependency on pain pills, by choosing conservative chiropractic care.
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A continuing schedule of regular chiropractic checkups can help detect, correct, and
maintain optimum spinal and nervous system function. Find out how chiropractic
care, combined with proper diet, exercise, and other aspects of good health
and personal hygiene can enhance your well-being and help you enjoy life
to the fullest. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for a care program designed
for your age, condition, and lifestyle.
· REFERENCES ·
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Cotler, H., M.D.,
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Mosby, 1993.
Cox, J., D.C., Low Back Pain,
Mechanism, Diagnosis and
Treatment, 4th edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1990.
Cox, J., D.C.,
Hazen, R., Distraction Manipulation Reduction of an L5-S1 Disc
Herniation, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics,
16:342-346, 1993.
Hochschuler, S., M.D.,
Texas Back Institute, Back
in Shape, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1991.
Kapandji, I.A., The
Physiology of the Joints, Vol. 3, Churchill Livingstone, 1982.
Kellett, J., Acute Soft Tissue Injuries:
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Medicine and Science of Sports and Exercise, Vol. 18, No. 5, p. 489-500,
American College of Sports Medicine, 1986.
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D., Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders, Harper and Row,
1983.
Manelfe, C., M.D., Imaging of the Spine
and Spinal Cord, Raven
Press, 1992.
Nwuga, VCB: Relative Therapeutic
Efficacy of Vertebral
Manipulation and Conventional Treatment in Back Pain Management, Am.
Phys. Med., 61:273, 1982.
Valenti, E., Acute Lumbar Disc Syndrome
Under Chiropractic Care; A Two Year Statistical Study, Swiss
Chiropractic Association, 51 Avenue Du Casino, Montreux, Switzerland,
1820, September, 1979.
White, A.A., M.D. and Panjabi, M.M., Ph.D.,
Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine, 2nd edition, J.B. Lippincott, 1990.
© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.
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