Disc Herniation

The spine is comprised of 24 bones, known as vertebra, and padding between the bones know as discs. The discs can be likened to a jelly donut, a semi-hard and fibrous shell filled with gel-like innards. In a disc bulge, the shell pushes outward toward the spine or nerves, but it has not erupted. In a Disc Herniation the shell rips open and the gel escapes into the surrounding spaces. The escaped gel can then aggravate the nerves of the neck and back, causing conditions such as sciatica. This is often known as a slipped disc, even though the disc itself has not gone anywhere.

Disc herniation are one of the top three non-fatal conditions in terms of pain (the top three are Kidney stones, disc herniation, and pregnancy). Therefore, herniations can be extremely disabling. Low level chronic pain is also known to occur instead of a single huge event.

Chiropractic can help by encouraging the re-absorption of the gel material into the disc, while lowering general inflammation, and restoring proper movement of the spine and body.

Quick Facts

• Can occur anywhere in the spine
• Pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness
• Most common occurrences around 40 years of age
• Can be dangerous if the disc material directly contacts the spine