Even though back pain can be caused by many factors, disc disorders are significant triggers for back pain. Discs are rubber-like cushions that support the spinal bones in your back, while also shielding pressure away from the spinal nerves. However, if one of these discs becomes inflamed or dislocated, the pressure that would have fallen on them ends up falling on the nerves nearby. When this happens, it is typically called a herniated disc and can cause a large amount of pain that may keep you from performing the tasks that you enjoy.
While many doctors will suggest pain-relief medications or surgery to repair or alleviate the pain from the herniated disc, there are many alternative options for natural back pain treatment. Chiropractic care not only can relieve the searing pain, but can also aid in preventing the injury from re-occurring later. A chiropractic evaluation can pinpoint the source of the back pain and treat the specific area to rid the pain at its root and make sure that it does not return in the near future.
Here are some chiropractic treatments that can help disc disorders:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Manual manipulation through chiropractic adjustments can help ease the pain of the herniated disc and the surrounding area. These adjustments straighten the spine so that all of the bones are aligned and in place, improving the health of your back in the process. The adjustments are gentle, so they don’t harm the back further, but they do work to relieve pressure from the discs and the spinal nerves to relieve the pain.
Spinal Decompression
The goal of spinal decompression is to stretch the spine while also stretching the discs to restore healing to the area. With spinal decompression, a chiropractor will use a machine to stretch your back, opening up enough space for the herniated discs to return to their natural form. The stretching allows for nutrients to enter the disc, thus healing the discs to relieve pain. Spinal decompression is prescribed in a series of sessions that change the disc structure over time in order to heal the area.
Physical Activity
Like spinal decompression, light exercise can loosen up your back and allow the discs to get comfortable. This takes pressure off the nearby nerves, alleviating pain from the area. Physical activity can also strengthen your back so it can handle the pain more effectively, making the pain occur less and less often.
Don’t overdo the exercises as it will cause more strain on your body and on your back. Gentle exercises like walking, stretching and other light activity should move your body without the additional strain. However, if you experience pain, stop the exercise immediately and seek medical or chiropractic attention to make sure nothing has been hurt.
To figure out if a disc disorder is causing your back pain, visit your local chiropractor for a proper evaluation of your condition and treatment plan to get rid of your pain.