Before we can discuss the benefits of spinal decompression for herniated discs, we must first identify a herniated disc. The spinal column consists of bones called vertebrae and in between each vertebrae is a intervertebral disc. The main functions of the discs are to absorb shock from everyday wear and tear, allow motion of the spinal column and separate the vertebrae.
The discs themselves are a type of cartilaginous joint with an outer layer called the annulus fibrosis and an inner layer called the nucleus pulposus. The inner layers consistency is similar to jelly. The disc will compress and decompress with pressure. When a disc is diseased it will not have the ability to handle the pressure and can lead to arthritis, herniated discs, bulging discs, stenosis and sciatic pain. A herniated disc is an abnormal condition of the intervertebral disc. Some folks will describe a herniated disc as a ‘slipped disc’, ‘ruptured disc’ or a ‘blown disc’. The cause of a herniated disc is not known but it is believed that stress due to occupation, poor spinal posture or natural processes of aging or trauma may be the culprit.
There are different symptoms associated with a herniated disc and it depends mainly on the area of the spine that is affected. If the herniation is located in the cervical (neck) spine, the symptoms can range from:
- neck pain with or without arm pain
- numbing and tingling
- muscle weakness
If the herniation is located in the lumbar (low back) spine, the symptoms will range from:
- low back pain
- numbness and tingling
- pain down the leg and foot
- muscle weakness
The diagnosis of a herniated disc is usually determined through a physical examination along with a detailed history, orthopedic and neurological examination. A chiropractor can determine if the disc is herniated by following the above procedure as well as incorporated x-rays to determine if any degeneration is evident. The treatment protocol would be chiropractic treatments in the form of spinal manipulations called adjustments. Some other treatments also consists of physical therapy, epidural injections, pain killers and surgery. However, chiropractic is the most non-invasive form of therapy.
Chiropractors will also incorporate spinal decompression to relieve a herniated disc. With spinal decompression the treatment is directed to the root cause of the diseased disc by relieving pressure from the disc itself. When pressure is released from the disc, the pressure is also relieved from the nerve.
Research has shown that spinal decompression can create a negative pressure withing the disc causing a vacuum effect. This effect can in turn suck the disc material back inside the disc, therefore relieving the pressure from the nerve. Once the pressure is removed from the nerve, the pain is reduced and the individual can feel relief. The symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness is relieved with out the need of surgery or medications.
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