Disc pain is a spinal condition that many people experience at some point in their life in our community around Denver. Many disc pain patients in the Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, and Denver region that I’ve spoken with know they have disc problems but do not understand what is creating their pain or possible options for treatment and relief. Spinal discs are attached to the top and bottom of most vertebra in the spine. The primary purpose of the spinal disc is to provide shock absorption throughout our daily lives and provide motion in the spine. The two main components of the disc are the annulus fibrosis on the outside and the nucleus pulposis that lies within the annular fibers. These components of the disc are where most disc problems can arise.
8 Things You Must Know About Your Disc Pain:
- The most common disc condition is degenerative disc disease. This is when the disc becomes compressed and loses its structure and the body starts creating osteophytes (bone spurs) around the edges of the vertebra. This condition can be caused by an acute injury or trauma such as a car accident or sports injury. It is also believed that it may be more prevalent in people who have a family history of disc problems.
- Disc bulges result from when there are some slight tears in the outer region of the annulus fibrosis and are typically painful for short bouts of time but can be recurrent.
- Disc herniation results from when the outer fibers are completely torn and nucleus pulposis leaks through. This can cause severe pain and is at risk for nerve compression or even spinal cord compression in some cases depending on where the tears are located.
- Common disc problems result in neck or back pain, nerve irritation or travelling pain down arms and legs, and tenderness and tightness in muscles around the spine.
- Seek immediate help if your are experiencing bowel or bladder problems, inability to defecate, or severe numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, and buttocks.
- Both ice and heat have shown to be effective in pain reduction and should be applied for 15-20 minutes with 40 minutes in between applications.
- Bed rest is not encouraged. “Babying” your back is no longer recommended and it is beneficial to get moving as long as it is tolerable.Most disc problems are easily treated with conservative care. Chiropractic treatment in combination with many other therapies provided in our clinic have been shown to be effective in the care of spinal disc problems.
- Most disc problems are easily treated with conservative chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment in combination with many other therapies provided in our clinic have been shown to be effective in the care of spinal disc problems.
If you are currently experiencing disc pain, it is important to get a comprehensive exam performed to determine the exact location and extent of the condition by a chiropractor. Treatment options will then be explained to you depending on the type and extent of injury. Call Core Family Chiropractic at 720-242-6251 or schedule online.