Can Chiropractic Care Help My Disc Injury?

If you’ve injured one or more of the discs in your spine, you’re most likely in a significant amount of pain. Your family doctor wants to prescribe pills, which are probably narcotics, but you’re nervous about the risk of addiction.

You may have heard about chiropractic care for resolving your back problems, but you might wonder if it will actually work. You may also wonder if there are any risks from chiropractic treatment. The providers at Nutura Clinic in Portland, Oregon, explain more about what chiropractic care can do for your disc injury.

What is a disc injury?

Your discs are like cushions in between each vertebra of your spine. Over time, this cushion can wear away, either due to aging or from leading a sedentary lifestyle. Your discs have a solid outer core and a gel-like substance inside of them.

The outer core can develop cracks, which allows the gel-like substance inside them to leak out. Your discs can become injured by several causes, including trauma to your back, improper lifting of heavy weights, or even just getting older. Your discs become less flexible as you age.

What causes disc injuries?

Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Depending on where the disc is located in your back, it can result in pain in your hips, buttocks, or calves. 

Sometimes, you may not know how you injured your disc. But some of the most common causes of a slipped or injured disc include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Genetics
• Occupation (certain jobs are associated with greater risk)
• Smoking
• Being sedentary
• Frequent driving

You can also have disc injuries in your neck, which can cause shoulder pain and numbness or tingling in your arms and fingers.

How can chiropractic care help?

If you have a disc injury, you’re probably looking for some relief. Fortunately, chiropractic adjustments can help. 

First, your chiropractor evaluates your entire spine. They may also take X-rays of your spine, which can reveal if any of your discs are out of place. 

The next phase of treatment will include several possible options, depending on your symptoms.

Spinal manipulation

Your chiropractor manipulates your spine to move your vertebrae back into the correct position. This often takes several visits to make sure your spine is in the right place and stays that way. 

Spinal manipulation is subtle by design. It doesn’t make dramatic changes to your spine in one session, although you may feel some relief after even the first adjustment. 

Neuropathophysiology

One of the benefits of chiropractic adjustments is that it improves the functioning of your nerves. When your spine is out of alignment, it can pinch your nerves and cause other symptoms in your body.

Myopathology

When your spine is out of alignment, it can also impact the functioning of your muscles. Some of your muscles may overcompensate for poor spinal alignment, while others don’t function as well as they should. 

Histopathology

Histopathology refers to the soft tissue in your body. Your soft tissues may become swollen, especially if you have disc injuries.

Pathophysiology

When your spine is out of alignment — a condition called subluxation — your body can start to grow new bones to compensate. Seeking chiropractic care can help stop these problems before they begin.

If you’re experiencing back pain related to a disc problem, we can offer effective help that will provide lasting relief. Schedule a consultation with Nutura Clinic today by calling our office or booking an appointment online.