Many people consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they have a pinched nerve. More common are nerves that are stretched, twisted or irritated by spinal structures. Because of the way our spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma a result of work related or driving accidents, for example, emotional tension or chemical toxins can effect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots. More frequently, nerves are irritated (facilitative lesions). This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped or stretched by a loss of spinal curve or irritated by malfunctioning spinal joints.
Do I have a slipped disc?
Technically, a disc cannot "slip." However, like the shock absorbers on your car they can leak or rupture, causing serious back pain and other issues requiring chiropractic treatment. The intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage-type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer and shock absorber for the spine. A soft, jellylike center is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs allow normal turning and bending. Because of the way each disc is attached above and below the vertebrae, a disc can not "slip". However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause a disc to tear, bulge, herniate or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord. While results can not be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills by choosing chiropractic care for their disc related health problem.
