Project Description
Herniated Discs, Bulges and Slipped Discs
A slipped disc is one of many nicknames that are associated with a spinal disc injury. Although disc injuries generally create pinched nerves by way of compression. A severe enough disc injury can cause low back pain, sciatica, and in some cases, weakness and numbness.
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae bones stacked on top of each other with a cushion between each vertebra called a disc. The disc looks like an onion cut in half, with the middle containing space for liquid like a jelly-filled donut. The outer rings are very tough (fibrous) and known as Annulus Fibrosis. The jelly-filled center is known as the nucleus pulposus.
The purpose of a disc is to withstand compression and act as shock-absorbing cushions.
Discs Don’t Slip, They Bulge or Herniate!
What is a Herniated Disc?
Normally the disc is a very strong structure that can withstand excessive amounts of compressive loads that occur with exercises such as the deadlift as long as proper form is maintained.
Repetitive strain due to poor lifting mechanics, excessive bending forward, twisting, sitting and poor core function (different than strength) can cause the outer tough layer to tear. Once enough of the layers are torn through, the center fluid (nucleus pulposus) pushes on the weakened wall. This is one mechanism of a disc bulge, herniation, or its nickname the slipped disc.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Normally the disc is a very strong structure that can withstand excessive amounts of compressive loads that occur with exercises such as the deadlift as long as proper form is maintained.
Repetitive strain due to poor lifting mechanics, excessive bending forward, twisting, sitting and poor core function (different than strength) can cause the outer tough layer to tear. Once enough of the layers are torn through, the center fluid (nuclues propulus) pushes on the weakened wall. This is one mechanism of a disc bulge, herniation or it’s nickname the slipped disc.
What Causes a Bulging or Herniated Disc?
Disc injuries such as bulges and herniations can occur due to a single traumatic injury. Still, the majority of the time, it happens from cumulative trauma. Repetitive trauma by poor lifting mechanics, long hours sitting, and tight deep fascia (examples) makes the outer layer of the annulus fibrous (outer onion) bulge outwards due to internal pressure of the nucleus pulposus ( jelly inner). The bulging and herniation of the disc can create pain if the disc puts pressure on the lumbar nerves. Nerve compression is the cause of sciatica, numbness, tingling, and lower back pain.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
A typical disc injury symptoms occur due to local disc injury and possible compression nerve or spinal cord. The list below are common symptoms of a standard herniated disc with pinching of the nerve (compression)
- Sharp, stabbing, and intense spinal pain
- Weakness in the lower leg, including foot drop
- Bowel or Bladder changes (serious sign)
- Sharp, electric pain down the back of the leg (sciatica)
- Back pain is worst in the morning
- Lower Back Pain when sitting down
- Back pain while bending down
- Back pain while coughing and laughing
- Numbness in legs
I Bent Over, and I Can’t Get Back Up!
I Bent Over, and I Can’t Get Back Up!
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
The symptoms of a typical disc injury occur due to local disc injury, and possible compression nerve or spinal cord. The list below are common symptoms of a typical herniated disc with pinching of the nerve (compression)
- Sharp, stabbing, and intense spinal pain
- Weakness in the lower leg, including foot drop
- Bowel or Bladder changes (serious sign)
- Sharp, electric pain down the back of the leg (sciatica)
- Back pain is worst in the morning
- Lower Back Pain when sitting down
- Back pain while bending down
- Back pain while coughing and laughing
- Numbness in legs
Disc Herniation Treatment
Diagnosing lumbar disc injuries is usually quick and easy using the latest scientific evidence from movement mechanics, orthopedic testing, and nerve mobility.
Finding the cause can be more complex and requires a skilled clinician to differentiate from the following reasons. Listed below are some common causes of low back pain and the strategies that Dr. Dean uses to help his patients.
- Poor movement mechanics of low back corrected by implementing a hip-centered movement bias, which spares the spine. (quit picking the scab)
- We are establishing directional preference with the Mckenzie Method to eliminate low back pain quickly.
- Taking pressure off the compressed and pinched nerve by finding a “relief position” that “gives the nerve a break.” Thus encouraging blood flow and healing.
- Deep fascial restrictions alter the proper movement of the spine using the Stecco Fascial Manipulation Method.
- Pumping water into stiff and dehydrated ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the disc using Osteopathic Joint pumping and fascial normalization.
- Chiropractic manipulations as needed to reduce pain and decrease stiffness in surrounding muscles quickly.
- Exercises that increase spinal endurance, back muscular strength, and abdominal strength. Ensures that the pain doesn’t return.
Disc herniations treatments must include proper movement, pinched nerve unloading, fascial manipulation, proper hydration of tissues, and targeted exercises.
GET IN TOUCH WITH DR. DEAN
YOU should be able to move the way you’d like to move without experiencing pain. YOU should be able to experience freedom and energy knowing there’s nothing holding back from giving your life 110%. Dr. Dean would like to learn more about your challenges with a quick phone or email before beginning treatment. Contact him today.