Disc disorders
Everything You Need to Know about Disc Disorders: Information from Synergy Rehab & Physiotherapy Chiropractor
Disc disorders are a special type of back problem that causes back pain and dysfunction. Our chiropractor treats a number of disc disorders through chiropractic care and physiotherapy. Your spine consists of several bones, known as vertebrae, which allow you to bend, twist, and move in a variety of ways.
A bundle of nerves forms your spinal cord, which sits inside the spinal column. Nerves run from your brain, go down the middle of your spinal column, and then exit through tiny holes in the vertebrae and go to the rest of your body. These nerves transmit messages from your brain to your body and back. Any pressure on the nerves as they exit the spinal column can cause messages of pain.
Between each vertebra is a disc that acts as a shock absorber for the spine. These discs prevent the vertebrae from smashing down or grinding against each other as you move.
Sometimes these discs can develop problems, known as disc disorders. As you age, your discs start to lose strength and pliability, and this can affect their ability to absorb the shock of everyday movements. Problems with the discs in your back can cause pain and prevent you from moving freely. Fortunately, many disc disorders respond positively to physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
Types of Disc Disorders
Bulging disc
Discs consist of a thick rubbery shell and a gooey interior. Over time, areas of the tough outer shell can weaken and bulge out past its normal boundaries. The bulging area of the disc may press against a nerve to cause pain.
Slipped disc
A slipped disc is one that has moved out of place or protrudes slightly to press against nerves.
Herniated disc
Sometimes the rubbery exterior of the disc can crack and allow the liquid inside the disc to ooze out. The gooey substance can press against nerves to cause pain.
Disc problems often occur in the lumbar spine, which is the vertebrae in the lower part of your back. Symptoms of lumbar disc problems include low back pain, stiffness, leg pain, numbness, and back pain that gets worse when you move. Disc problems can also affect your cervical spine to cause pain in your neck, and in your thoracic spine to cause symptoms in the middle of your back.
Treatment can alleviate the symptoms of disc disorders. Treatment options include chiropractic care, physiotherapy, lumbar traction and distraction therapy, and massage therapy. Your chiropractor may even provide tips on how to prevent disc problems in the future.
Disc Disorder FAQ
When you have problems with your upper spine, it can cause neck pain and soreness that makes it hard to move your head comfortably. This can affect your job performance and interfere with your ability to do simple, everyday tasks. At Synergy Rehab and Physiotherapy in Vaughan, we provide non-invasive treatment that addresses the causes of neck pain.
What Are Common Neck Pain Causes?
You can have neck pain from a herniated disc in your upper spine. This occurs when the outer part of a spinal disc grows weak and develops a crack, and the inner part of the disc pushes through this opening. You can also develop neck pain from a condition known as text neck. This condition occurs when frequently tilt your head when you use a mobile device, such as your phone. You can also have neck pain from whiplash, muscle tears and other soft tissue injuries.
What Are Symptoms of Neck Pain Problems?
Herniated discs in the upper spine can cause soreness in your neck and a tingling sensation or weakness in your arm. When you have whiplash, you might have headaches and neck stiffness along with mild or severe pain. Text neck can cause your neck to become sore and stiff, which can get worse over time. When you have neck pain symptoms, it’s important to find out the cause so that you can receive the right care for relief.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help Herniated Discs and Other Causes of Neck Pain?
Whether you have disc herniation in your upper spine or suffer from text neck, chiropractic care can help. This kind of care includes spinal adjustments that focus on realigning your spine. These adjustments take care of any misalignments in your upper spine that are causing you pain. When your upper spine is in proper alignment, this eases pressure on your nerves and helps the affected discs, muscles and other parts of your upper spine heal. Misalignments can create blockages that make it difficult for oxygen and nutrients to flow to the damaged area.
How Can Chiropractic Care Prevent Neck Pain?
Chiropractic adjustments can lower your risk of having neck pain on a regular basis. Ensuring that your spine is in the right alignment helps your nervous system function as it should and supports proper healing. This reduces your risk of developing chronic pain in your neck.
Call Synergy Rehab & Physiotherapy Center Today!
If you have disc problems or think that you might have a problem with a disc, make an appointment to see our chiropractor. Synergy Rehab & Physiotherapy Center is are conveniently located between the Woodbridge Urgent Care Centre and the 24 Hours Shoppers Drug Mart, at 2-4000 Highway 7 in Vaughan, ON. Make your appointment today by calling 647-691-4074.