What is a Spinal Disc?

What is a Spinal Disc?

Spinal discs are the shock absorbers between the vertebrae and they play a crucial role in maintaining the spine's overall functionality. They are there to help cushion your day to day movements and movement is key to keeping them healthy.

Spinal disc injuries are quite common and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Types of Spinal Disc Injuries

1. Herniated Discs: One of the most common spinal disc injuries is a herniated disc. This occurs when the outer shell of the disc weakens, allowing the inner gel-like material to protrude. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg(s) or arm(s).

2. Bulging Discs: A bulging disc results when the disc extends outside its normal boundary but does not rupture. This condition typically does not cause symptoms; however, it can still exert pressure on nearby nerves, potentially leading to discomfort.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease: With age, the spinal discs can lose hydration and elasticity, leading to degenerative disc disease. This condition often results in chronic pain and may reduce overall mobility.

Prevention of Spinal Disc Injuries

Prevention of spinal disc injuries can include some simple lifestyle adjustments.

Here are some strategies:

1. Maintain Proper Posture: Good posture during daily activities can help prevent unnecessary stress on the spinal discs. When sitting or standing, ensure the spine maintains its natural curves.

2. Stay Active: Engaging in regular physical activity strengthens the back and core muscles, supporting the spine's structure. Activities such as swimming, walking, and core-strengthening exercises can be particularly beneficial. Movement is key for disc health.

3. Lift Properly: Using correct lifting techniques, such as bending your knees and keeping the load close to your body, can help protect the discs from undue pressure and potential injury.

4. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration helps maintain the discs' moisture content, promoting overall spinal health. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day can aid in the structural integrity of the discs.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing lower back pain. Disc bulges and degenerative disc disease can cause ongoing pain, which may be mild or quite significant.

We find that combining chiropractic care with specific exercises results in quicker recovery time from disc injuries.

If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, or know that you have a herniated disc, get in touch to book an appointment. We also offer complimentary phone consults to find out if our treatment is the right option for you. Call us to book this in.