You spine comprises of vertebrae that have discs between them. These discs are nothing but connective tissue that has a gel-like core. The discs make your spine flexible and also function as shock absorbers. Sometimes, a disc can get pushed outside the connective tissue, pressing on the nerves or spinal cord. This is an extremely painful condition that can occur due to aging or injury to the lower back.
Conventional Treatment
If you suffer from a slip disc, your doctor will tell you, get adequate rest the first few days, until the pain alleviates a bit. You may also be put on medication. After the pain subsides, your doctor will tell you to be physically active without straining your back. He may suggest swimming, as the water eases the strain on your vertebrae.
It can take as long as four to six weeks to heal a slip disc and even then you may not be able to indulge in activities like sitting for extended periods of time, lifting heavy things, or reaching for objects. These activities can aggravate your condition or worsen the pain.
This is the reason many people shift from conventional treatment for a slipped disc (because it does not correct the problem and is just prolonging the injury) to chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care for a Slipped Disc
When you consult a chiropractor for a slip disc, he will thoroughly examine you and may also request an x-rays and an MRI. Based on his findings, he will then design a treatment plan for you.
Typically, chiropractors use motion and static palpation to see the extent of the injury. There is no popping the disc into its place since it can cause nerve damage and also destabilize your lower back (even more than it already is). Chiropractic treatment for a slipped disc may include spinal manipulation along with therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the pain, your overall health, how active you are, and what the chiropractor believes is the best treatment for your slipped disc. A common technique used to alleviate the symptoms of slipped disc is the flexion distraction technique. Here, the spine is gently stretched to help the disc get back into its normal position. It eases the pressure exerted on the nerve and also minimizes pain and swelling.
The Real Deal
Usually chiropractic treatment offers quick results and most patients notice a marked improvement in their symptoms after a single session (they can usually certainly see that they are finally on the right track – the guessing games are over with). So, if you have a slipped disc problem, take a closer look at what a chiropractor can do for you. They are the ones who will get you better for good!
