subject: Chiropractor Plymouth Mn | The Ins And Outs Of Disc Degeneration
[print this page] Disc degeneration in the spine occurs to some extent in all of us as we age. The intervertebral discs are located between the vertebrae, acting as cushions. Each disc consists of a tough, fibrous outer layer that surrounds the soft interior and thus provides the cushioning. Just the daily wear and tear of life will cause deterioration of these discs over time, and as you age, the risk of injury to the discs increases.
How Discs Become Injured -
As the discs age and begin to display signs of degeneration, any type of strain, even something as seemingly insignificant as a sneeze, can cause them to rupture, or herniate. When herniation occurs, the disc's soft interior tissue protrudes out of the disc and puts pressure on the spinal cord.
This problem is sometimes referred to as herniated disc, prolapsed disc, and slipped disc; these are all names for the same condition, which can result in intermittent but severe or in some cases continuous back pain. If it presses on the sciatic nerves, it results in a condition called sciatica.
Sciatic nerves transmit all signals from the lower body; they are the longest nerves in the body, and any pressure on them causes a shooting pain, usually in the leg or foot. Some people experience debilitating numbness that can render them nearly incapable of walking; some just have a tingling sensation in the toes or numbness in the foot or leg.
In some cases, however, disc degeneration and even herniation will not produce symptoms and can go completely undetected. Most adults past the age of forty will have some degree of disc degeneration.
Prevention of Disc Degeneration -
Once a disc becomes herniated, frequently the only viable form of treatment is surgery. But there are steps you can take to prevent or lessen the effects of disc degeneration before it reaches this point.
One of the most significant ways to curb disc degeneration is regular visits to a chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments help to keep the spine in proper alignment, which eases the wear and tear of our daily struggles with the world. Everything from running the vacuum to carrying a baby to moving furniture to sitting too long at a desk can cause subluxation, or misalignment of the spine.
This misalignment in turn causes extra stress and pressure on the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs, meaning more wear and tear and increased deterioration, thus increased risk of having a herniated disc.
Regular moderate exercise such as cycling, rowing or swimming helps to maintain a healthy weight and ease pressure on your back. Activities that are hard on your back and can cause further damage, however, include baseball, basketball, football, bowling, golf, running, tennis, and weightlifting. Especially if you're already experiencing back problems, you might want to avoid these.
When Surgery is the Only Option -
Even if you already have a herniated disc, and surgery is your only option, don't despair. Healthy lifestyle and nutritional habits as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist can aid in successful surgery, recovery, and maintenance.
