Have you ever heard the term or know someone who has had a slipped disc, herniated disc, blown disc, disc bulge, shooting pain in the legs, etc.? All of these terms are often mentioned when talking about lower back pain. What about a slipped disc causes lower back pain? Let’s dive in a bit further.
Overview of an Intervertebral Disc
An intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous joint that lies between adjacent vertebrae (bones). Each disc functions to separate the vertebrae from each other and to provide shock absorption/cushioning under daily compressive loads. Over the years, the hydrated spinal discs are constantly put under pressure from activities such as playing sports, cumulative traumas, injuries, poor posture, running, sitting, jumping, twisting, weight lifting, etc., causing the discs to dehydrate and degenerate (bones approximate each other). As a result, this limits the ability of the disc to absorb shock and may lead to severe lower back pain by putting pressure on the exiting nerve roots.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a nonsurgical approach for treating back pain such as: sciatica, tingling in the legs and feet, bulging or herniated discs, injured or diseased spinal nerve roots, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis and neck and low back pain.
How Can Spinal Decompression Help?
The whole point of the treatment is to relieve the compressive tension on the spinal discs, allowing the discs time to relax in order to re-hydrate with fluids. The technique is done by applying gentle stretching or traction to the spine with a specialized table. The technique has been found to:
- Reduce pressure within the disc
- Widen the spinal canal
- Improve range of motion in spinal joints and in arms, legs, and shoulders
- Improve posture
- Reduce pressure on spinal nerves
- Increase circulation
- Improve nerve communication
If you’ve tried a wide variety of treatment options for your lower back pain, spinal decompression might be the solutions for you. At Taylor Chiropractic & Wellness, we will perform an in-depth analysis to determine the right treatment plan for you. Visit us today.
