The INS and OUTS of Disk Herniation

1 Feb 2019

Slipped disks, disk herniations, sciatica symptoms… You’ve heard of or experienced them, but are you wondering what exactly is happening or has happened? Well, keep on reading!

There are disks between each vertebra in our spines and their function is to absorb the forces/stress that are transmitted throughout our spines. These vertebral discs contain fluid that help them to do their jobs. With proper and regular loading and movement in our spines, these discs stay healthy and remain hydrated. As we age, through natural processes, the fluid in our disc decrease and therefore become less flexible. In addition to aging, the daily stress we place on our backs, improper lifting mechanics, instability and the daily stress we place on our spines, the vertebral discs can be more susceptible to injury.

In the picture below, an injury to the vertebral discs is illustrated.

Similar to what would happen if you squeeze a jelly filled donut (Boston cream is better tasting vs. jelly filled obviously), the nucleus pulposus of the disc (jelly of the donut) can leak out of the disc due to tears in the annulus fibers (the outer protective casing of dough in a donut). Depending on the location and severity of the injury, the nucleus pulposus material (jelly) can hit or affect (via the release of inflammatory chemicals) nearby nerves that come out of our spine. As such you may notice varying degrees of pain, changes in sensation or muscular weakness related to the region in which those nerves supply.

Some of the ways in which we can decrease the chance of injury to the vertebral discs and avoid this entire inconvenient situation, is through proper lifting techniques, lifestyle changes to diet or activity levels, and improving the stability of our lower back (or areas that need to be strengthened). If you are already suffering from a disc herniation or think that this sounds like you, come visit me, your friendly neighborhood Chiropractor! Chiropractic treatment can help improve spinal stability, the way your spine moves and help those vertebral discs return to that freshly baked Boston cream or jelly filled donut state that we all love to have.

If you have any questions regarding your spine, other joints in the body, muscles or nerves, feel free to contact us for a consult or initial assessment at 519-265-8035 or info@naturalchoicemedicalclinic.com

In health,

Dr. Shivinder Oberoi, DC