Spinal Disc Problems
Although for many years doctors blamed torn or “slipped” discs for a majority of back pain, we now know that disc problems constitute only a small portion of the causes of back pain and rarely require surgery for pain relief. Dr. Erin Ducat, a chiropractic physician in Bloomingdale, IL, treats a variety of spinal disc conditions without the use of drugs or surgery including disc bulges, degeneration and herniations. After completing therapy with Dr. Erin, hundreds of patients have returned to their active lifestyle without chronic or reoccurring pain.
What are spinal discs?
Spinal discs are a critically important part of your spinal column. Along with the vertebrae, also called the spinal bones, they perform many functions. The discs provide shock absorption, protecting the spinal cord and ensuring flexibility of the spine. They are essentially ligaments that attach to the top and bottom of each vertebra. They are thick, ligament like outer rings, also known as annuli fibrosis. Because they are arranged in an alternating pattern with the vertebraw, annuli fibrosis allow flexibility while preventing the vertebrae from moving too much and causing injury.
Inside a single annulus fibrosis is a jelly like substance called the nucleus pulposis. It contains some proteins, but is primarily made up of water. The nucleus provides more shock absorption than does the annulus, and it also acts as a fulcrum to direct the tpye of movement through which each vertebra travels.
What are the most common disc problems?
- A disc “bulge” results from slight tears in the outermost fibers of an annulus fibrosis. These small tears can be painful for a short time.
- A disc protrusion/extrusion, also called “herniation” is a more significant injury. It results from a complete or significant tear of the fibers of an annulus and some of the nucleus leaks through. A herniation can also be painful and may even cause nerve compression. In the most severe cases, the spinal cord can be compressed.
- The most common disc problem suffered by adults is degenerative disc disease. This occurs when the nucleus loses water and small tears develop in it. The body then forms osteophytes (bone spurs) along the edges of the vertebra and the disc space narrows.
What are the common signs and symptoms of disc problems?
- Back or neck pain
- Leg or arm pain
- Stiffness
- Tenderness of the spine and spinal muscles
- Numbness, tingling or pins/needles sensations in the arms or legs
How are spinal disc problems diagnosed?
Disc problems are most often diagnosed with the use of a thorough history and physical examination, including an examination of your nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Dr. Erin will use a variety of functional tests that move your back and arms and legs into various positions that will allow her to pinpoint the cause of your condition and identify if it is likely caused by a disc injury or another problem. She will also ask you questions about your pain, how it limits your lifestyle and what your goals are for treatment. Plain x-rays are helpful in only some forms of disc problems. Dr. Erin may order an MRI, as it images the discs quite nicely and allows her to determine if your injury can be managed through chiropractic care. Most often, however imaging is not necessary.
After your history and examination results are complete, Dr. Erin will design a custom treatment plan to help you meet and exceed your goals and expectations through a blend of chiropractic, acupuncture, rehabiliatation and massage therapy. She will detail your treatment plan at your follow up visit and will also schedule you for periodic re-examinations to ensure that you are making proper progress during your treatment visits.
How are disc problems treated?
Luckily, in most circumstances, disc problems are easily treated with conservative interventions such as chiropractic, acupuncture and rehabilitation. Dr. Erin specializes in the use of Cox Flexion-Distraction manipulation which gently tractions the lumbar spine and helps decompress lumbar disc injuries to reduce pain and inflammation. Most cervical disc injuries respond well to manual traction gently applied to the neck and head along with acupuncture placed along the affected nerves.
Getting you back on your feet and moving as quickly as possible is critical. Typically, the less time you spend in bed, the better off you are in terms of long-term results. You’ll also need to learn not to be afraid to move. If you “baby” your back, in most cases, the long-term results will be worse. Dr. Erin will prescibe appropriate stretches and range of motion exercises at the beginning of treatment that will progress to teaching you how to stabilize the muscles that support the spine and discs as you are able to complete them. Keeping your spine flexible, but controlled, is the key to preventing a re-injury.
In most circumstances, spine surgery and injections are not neccesary in the management of disc problems and they often cause more problems than they’re worth. Dr. Erin will discuss various treatment options available and will make an appropriate orthopedic referral if your condition requires further medical attention or if you do not respond to treatment as expected.