Bulging / Herniated Discs in Lakewood
The bones of the spine are separated by tough cartilage pads called intervertebral discs, literally meaning "between the bones of the spine). Healthy discs are like a wet sponge - they are thick and flexible. This allows a wide range of bending and twisting motions in the spine. An unhealthy disc is like a dry sponge - stiff and hard. This makes it prone to injuries such as bulging or herniation. Over time, the discs in the spine may compress or degenerate, due to an accumulation of trauma, untreated joint disfunction, or simply gravity. This constant compression prevents much-needed oxygen and nutrients from entering the disc, and the once-tough outer layers of the disc can soften and allow the disc to become injured or diseased. The discs of the neck (cervical spine) and low back (lumbar spine) are the most commonly injured, although these types of injuries can occur in any of the spinal discs.
Significant disc damage can lead to a Disc Bulge, become a tear called a Disc Herniation or the inner gelatinous material of the disc can leak out in the case of a Ruptured Disc. The "jelly center" of the disc can also dry out over time which is referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease. All forms of disc injury can eventually impinge on the nerves exiting the spine ("pinched nerve") which can create numbness, tingling, burning or sharp pain down the arms or legs. Sharp pain originating from the back and "shooting" down the legs is often referred to as sciatica.
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Disc Bulge
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Disc Herniation
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Disc Rupture
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Disc Bulge Definition
A Disc Bulge occurs when the tough outer fibers of the spinal disc weaken and stretch allowing the "jelly center" of the disc to "bulge" outward. A Disc Bulge is generally considered the first step toward a more serious problem called a Herniated Disc. A Herniated Disc is similar to a Disc Bulge except that the outer layers of the disc actually weaken to the point of tearing.
Herniated Disc Definition
A Herniated Disc occurs when the tough outer fibers of the spinal disc tear, thus allowing the "jelly center" of the disc to herniate or bulge outward. A Herniated Disc is generally considered to be more serious than a Disc Bulge where the outer wall of the disc is weakened but not torn.
Disc Bulge / Disc Herniation Symptoms
The majority of symptoms caused by a Disc Bulge or Herniated Disc are related to irritation of spinal nerves. These nerves exit the spine through small holes called foramen. The spinal discs are located next to these nerve passageways, and the bulging of the disc material can "pinch" these nerves, thereby creating a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms.
Disc Bulge / Herniated Disc of the Low Back- Lumbar Spine Disc Bulge
A Disc Bulge in the low back can cause low back pain or numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pain or weakness in the legs or feet. Sharp pain along the back of the legs is often referred to as sciatica.
Disc Bulge / Herniated Disc of the Neck- Cervical Spine Disc Bulge
A Disc Bulge in the neck can cause neck pain, or in more severe cases, numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pain or weakness in the arms or hands.
Unfortunately, the majority of back pain/disc bulge sufferers are learning to “deal” with the problem, rather than getting to the root cause of the pain and fixing it permanently. Disc bulge back pain suffers take pain medication, sleep in certain positions, stop exercising, avoid road trips/vacations and plan their lives around back problems.
Chronic low back pain from a disc bulge can be a direct result of postural abnormalities, auto accident injuries, work place accidents or sports injury. Back pain affects 42% of Americans and contributes to a lack of productivity at work and home and triggers a whole slew of health problems.
Our Approach for treatment of Low back pain / Disc Bulge in Lakewood
At Renew Chiropractic in Lakewood, we focus on Chiropractic Biophysics. As the name implies, this advanced & scientific chiropractic method aims to realign the spine back to its normal curvature, alleviating dangerous and unnecessary pressure on the nerves in your back.
If you or a loved one is suffering with low back pain from a disc bulge, We can help! Call Dr. Jason Jumper at Renew Chiropractic in Lakewood: 720-493-5885
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