Slipped Discs – The Chiropractic Approach

A very common injury we see in clinic are slipped or herniated discs (sometimes referred to as bulging discs). This can be a very painful and limiting injury however with the correct diagnosis and treatment plan, chiropractic care effectively manages the symptoms and aids recovery. Slipped discs occur when the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer. Pain from a slipped disc will often be experienced in the back and can sometimes present as neck or low back pain or muscular spasms. However, if the disc is pinching or inflaming a nerve it can also trigger arm and leg symptoms, numbness and tingling.

Whilst medical intervention can of course have its merits, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive alternative for patients who perhaps wish to avoid surgery or are experiencing frustratingly long waiting lists for the care they have been recommended.

Chiropractic care focuses on the neuro-musculoskeletal system’s alignment and function. As our bodies natural shock absorbers, the discs take the load placed on our bodies every day. Poor posture, bending, lifting and twisting can put the spine under more pressure. Over time joints can get stiff and lock up and this puts additional pressure and load on the disc causing irritation, swelling and bulging. Muscles in the surrounding area will often strain and spasm to compensate and protect the disc. Chiropractors look to restore alignment in the area to remove some of the pressure on the disc and enable it to heal. They may use decompression techniques to relieve the pressure on the affected disc as well as using soft tissue therapy and stretches as well as providing posture and ergonomic advice.

Many of us spend our days at a desk and this often impacts the disc, causing injury. Although we can’t change the fact that we may have to sit for long hours, simple changes such as desk height and chair angles are helpful and small additions like using a lumbar support pillow or a wedge cushion.

If a disc injury has the right type of chiropractic care it responds really well. It is very rare that we see a disc injury that then requires surgery. However, if ever we think this may be the case, we would refer you to the right person to help you.

Chiropractors will use different techniques such as spinal decompression to relieve pressure on the affected disc. This therapy gently stretches the spine or at the affected area promoting healing and reducing symptoms.

Various soft tissue techniques can be used as well as some stretches to reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility as the area is healing. However, this injury can be quite unstable and has a low tolerance to strain so if the wrong exercises are done at the gym, you can actually injury the disc further and cause more pain. A common mistake made by patients is that they bring stretches and exercises in too early in the recovery, which can cause flare ups. Always check with your chiropractor if you are unsure.

Sitting can be one of the more aggravating activities for a disc injury. Whilst we can’t alway avoid sitting, we can help patients on correct posture and ergonomics to reduce strain on the spine on a day to day basis.

Helpful Tips if you have a Disc Injury

Listen to your body

We can’t avoid everything that is bad for us, try to minimise activities that you know exacerbate the pain or strain the affected area, however if you cant (or won’t), allow your body ample time to rest and recover.

Ice Therapy

Applying ice packs for 10 minutes at a time during the initial stages of injury can help reduce inflammation. Do not use heat packs or hot baths as this will increase swelling and inflammation cause more pain.

Keep moving

The disc often gets aggravated with prolonged static positions ie: sitting, standing, lying at night etc…Gentle movement helps to keep the area mobile and decreases inflammation ‘pooling’ in the area. The injury will like a little sitting, then a little pottering, then a little rest…..

Everyones injury and recovery is unique and different, so we take our time to really understand your particular injury and personalise a complete approach to you including the correct exercises prescribed to you at the right time.