Have You Injured a Disc?

Many people approach back problems in a rush to relieve pain. Instead, it should be a thorough process to ensure the right problem is treated in order to find long lasting back pain relief. The fastest solution is not always the right solution, especially when it comes to disc problems. Spinal discs are a jelly doughnut-like body part that fit between the spine’s vertebrae. Discs help keep the spine flexible, allow you to move properly, and act as a spacer between the vertebrae. Vertebral subluxation is when the spinal disc moves out of place and agitates the surrounding nerves.

We can understand the main problems we find with discs by continuing with the jelly doughnut analogy.

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Disc Injury Pittsburgh

If you are diagnosed with a protruding disc it means that the gel is pushed out or bulging, and is asymmetrical in different places. This may result in pinching and irritation of the nerve roots at that point.

A herniated disc happens when the disc material ruptures to the point that the gel pushes outward. This can also cause pain and numbness due to the irritation of the nerves, and can be very serious in some cases.

A disc extrusion is the worst type of disc injury. What it means is that the gel balloons extensively into the area outside the vertebrae or breaks off from the disc. This tends to result in considerable back pain and limitation of range of motion.

Bulged Disc

Imagine squeezing the jelly doughnut. The jelly moves to one side or the other. Likewise, a bulging disc moves to one side of the vertebrae or the other causing severe pain by pressing on the nerves.

Protruded Disc

Similar to a bulged disc, a protruded disc involves the moving of the jelly inside the doughnut. Instead of the swelling moving from one side to the other, it swells in all parts of the disc. Again, the swelling causes severe pain because of the added pressure on the nerves.

Herniated Disc

A disc is considered herniated when the jelly escapes from the doughnut casing and presses on the spinal nerve directly. This is typically the most painful of them all.

Bulged, Protruded, and Herniated Disc Treatment

When you visit Morreale Chiropractic for care in Pittsburgh, you’re guaranteed to work with experts that care about finding the long-term solution. After seeing nearly 11,000 patients for over 350,000 adjustments or other treatments, fewer than 100 patients have needed surgery. We offer adjustments, laser therapy, massage therapy, decompression, rehab, and flexion distraction as various forms of treatments. We promise to work with you closely to find the best chiropractic care treatment for you and your disc problems. Contact us now or complete the form to the right. All initial consultations are free and include a 15 minute massage!

If you're suffering from a disc injury in call our team at Morreale Chiropractic today. We are here to help.