The intervertebral disc is a common cause in spine-related health problems; however its function is widely misunderstood. The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones with a soft jellylike center that is contained by surrounding layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a connector, space and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending. Interestingly, spinal discs have a very poor blood supply, they depend upon the circulation of the surrounding joints' fluids to bring in nutrients and expel waste.
If a spinal joint loses it normal motion or position and this pumping action is impaired, the health of the disc can deteriorate.
Like a wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry sponge is hard, stiff and crack easily. This is how many disc problems begin.
Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot "slip" as is commonly thought. However, trauma or injury can cause discs to bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, which leads to interference with their function and communication. About 200,000 patients undergo lumbar spine surgery each year. Of those approximately 40% will not gain the desired outcome and in many cases be worse off following the surgery.
DID YOU KNOW…if you hold an object next to the body, the weight of that object is equal to the pounds of stress on the disc in your lower back?
BUT…if you extend your arms fully away from the body and lift the same weight, the pounds of stress on the disc in the lower back can be multiplied by ten!
AND…it only takes about 300 pounds of pressure to tear the fibers of a disc…some people experience as much as 500 pounds of pressure when they sneeze!
IN ADDITION…most disc injuries are not the result of a single event but are the result of small injuries or micro-traumas that occur over time.
The chiropractic approach to disc problems is to help restore better motion and position to the spinal joints. Besides reducing disc bulging, better spine function can help decrease inflammation and begin the slow process of healing in the surrounding soft tissue. Many patients avoid needless spinal surgery or dependency on medications by choosing chiropractic care.
Lifetime Family Wellness
Star Chiropractic
http://www.starchiropractic.net
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