The Intervertebral Discs
The interverbral discs connect and cushion adjacent spinal vertebrae and provide a degree of shock absorption in the torso.
Disc Structure
The structure of the spinal disc resembles a jelly filled doughnut. The inner aspect of the disc contains a gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus. Surrounding the nucleus are tough fibrocartilagenous fibers called the annulus fibrosis.
Causes of Disc Injury
Disc injury occurs when the annular fibers of the disc are torn.
Common causes of annular disc tears include:
- uncorrected spinal misalignments
- prolonged sitting
- poor postural habits
- poor lifting habits
- improper workstation setup and ergonomics
- improper lifting techniques
- extended periods of vibratory forces (truck and auto drivers, jack hammer operators, etc.)
- inadequate diet and nutrition
- smoking
- obesity
- lack of physical activity
Types of Disc Injury
Symptoms of Disc Injury
The symptoms of disc injury depend upon the location of the disc tears and whether or not the spinal nerves or spinal cord are affected.
Treatment of Disc Injuries
Many disc injuries respond favorably to chiropractic care. This is because chiropractic treatments focus on the dysfunctional spinal segments and not just the symptoms of the disc injury.
Chiropractic treatments provide fast, effective, safe and long lasting relief from disc injuries. This is because the chiropractor's approach focuses on restoring spinal alignment, spinal function and overall spinal health, which are the primary factors responsible for the development of disc injuries.
Chiropractic doctors are experts in maintaining proper spinal alignment and function, both of which play a critical role in minimizing spinal stresses - the stresses that are responsible for injury and accelerated degenerative processes in spinal discs.
