Getting to Know Your Spinal Discs
By Sara Butler
Your spine has built-in shock absorbers that work really hard to keep your spine healthy. But sometimes things can go wrong, resulting in herniation, bulges, degeneration, and tears. If you’re suffering from lower back pain, it may be due to a problem with one of the shock-absorbing discs in your spine. Here’s what you need to know about your spinal discs so you and your chiropractor at The Joint can work to keep them healthy.
How they Work
Each bone in your spine is separated by a disc. The disc has a tough outer layer with a softer inner layer – sort of like a jelly donut. They do more than absorb shock, though. They also help to create a space for the spinal nerves to pass out of the spine to service various tissues and organs in your body. If something goes wrong with a disc, then it can result in issues with pain and discomfort and impede proper communication between your brain and the rest of your body.
Most Common Issues
There are two very common issues with the spinal discs you should be aware of. They are:
- Bulging discs – If the outer layer of the disc is weakened, the softer inner layer can balloon outward, creating a bulge. This bulging disc can put pressure on nerve roots, impairing function and creating discomfort in some cases.
- Herniated discs – When the outer layer of the disc ruptures due to degeneration or trauma and the inner layer begins to leak out, this is a herniated disc. These are more serious than bulging discs and can occur anywhere on the spine – though they seem to occur most frequently in the lower back.
How the Chiropractor Can Help
If you’re suffering from pain or discomfort in your back, then you should be evaluated by the chiropractor. They will get to the root of the issue and identify why you’re experiencing symptoms. Chiropractic care has been found to help support your body to heal bulging discs and can help to reduce the pain you may experience from a herniated disc as well.
Remember, you don’t have to live with back pain. Your chiropractor is here to help educate you on the things that can and do go wrong with the spine and support you in your efforts to live a healthy and pain-free life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.