Project Description

Disc pain

A ‘disc’ is a jelly-like substance that sits between our vertebral bodies. Discs are vital in our everyday movement – they cushion impacts on our spine, such as when we are bending or walking. Unfortunately, injuries to our disc are also a common cause of low back pain.

Disc injuries can occur through a number of ways, most notably from trauma – either from several small traumas built up over time, or from a single and significant instance such as when lifting something very heavy. Often, these traumas will ‘overload’ our disc and cause it to bulge out from its socket. Another term for this is a ‘slipped disc.’

Disc pain is often intense, with certain movements causing severe pain. When a disc bulge presses onto a nerve in the spine, numb or weak sensations can also occur into our lower limbs. When the disc bulge irritates the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica (electric pain or tingling running down the leg).

Note that disc injuries are not always isolated to the lower back. Our discs run between every vertebral body in our spine, and while not as common, disc issues can arise in our neck and upper back as well.

Chiropractic treatments are a safe and efficient way to address disc pain. A published study by Santilli et al in 2006 found that patients suffering from disc protrusions had better results with manipulations (also known as chiropractic adjustments) than without manipulations. No adverse effects were seen.

At North Adelaide Chiropractic, Dr Joshua provides precise, gentle adjustments for your disc pain. Biomechanical blocking, specific stretches and McKenzie exercises are also other options we can use to help you recover faster. If you suffer from disc pain or suspect that you suffer from disc pain, give North Adelaide Chiropractic a call on 8361 8182 and speak to our friendly reception to make a booking.

References:

  1. Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. 2006. Spine Journal. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16517383 DOI: 1016/j.spinee.2005.08.001