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How Are Your Discs Holding Up?

Do you have trouble moving? Do you lack the energy that you once had? Is the pain stopping you from living a normal life? Is the pain so bad that you’re considering spinal fusion, specifically for the discs in your spine? If you are having second thoughts, this blog will talk about why you’re getting this pain and how Chiropractic can be an effective method to help people with disc problems.

The intervertebral discs in the spine have a very unique role within the body. The S-shaped curve that your spine is orientated in, acts as a shock absorber, and provides mobility. These discs are the primary component of that shock absorption.

You must be asking, ‘I thought only old people get disc problems, why do I have it?’ Actually, disc bulges, herniations, extrusion etc are all disc problems that are most common from 18-35 years of age. There are other types of spinal problems that affect the older population and these are more likely related to degenerative joint and/or disc disease which is another story altogether.

 

The causes and consequences

The most likely cause for spinal disc damage and injury is immobility within the spine that puts unnecessary pressure on certain discs therefore causing damage and injury. On top of that, the lack of movement diminishes blood flow to the discs therefore the damaged discs have no way of healing.

A common myth most people believe is that disc problems only come from big accidents and injuries such as picking up a box or a piece of furniture. This is true to a certain extent; however people who have sedentary lifestyles, bad posture and repetitive stresses from work are all prone to having disc injuries as well.

To stop your spine from being injured, your very own body protects itself by immobilizing areas that are in harm’s way. Your body does this in numerous ways; muscles tighten up, the area starts to swell up and most importantly it starts signaling PAIN! These protective mechanisms of the body cause immobility and lack of motion within the spine. Your discs then start to weaken and degenerate. As this process carries on,the next time you go pick up a box, POP! You have a herniated disc. For those of you experiencing or have had a herniated disc, you know how excruciating and crippling it is.

 

Chiropractic care

So how can we help you at Revolution Chiropractic? Well the primary objective for us at Revolution Chiropractic unlike any other Chiropractic Office is to make sure we reset your structure to normal. We do this via a thorough structural examination which includes structural spinal analysis using specialized equipment and x-rays, we also give you specific structural recommendations and tools you need to help yourself get better too, and lastly we adjust your spine specific to what’s going on in your structure to correct it as well as restoring your spinal curves to normal again using specialized equipment.

We see many people with neck or back pain and bulging or herniated discs that have gone through procedures like micro-discectomies previously who are back to square one a year or two down the road. (Micro-discectomy is surgery to remove herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord). Upon a very detailed examination we find the cause of WHY your discs are herniating to start with and treat the actual CAUSE so that this cycle of herniation, micro-discectomy, herniation, bandage treatment stops.

 

A couple of stretches you can do on your own

It’s never too late to start a journey to be a better version of yourself. Knowing your body and what you can do is the first step. Here are a few stretches for the lower back to help you get started.

  • A dragon pose – Hold this stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other leg.

A dragon pose for lower back

  • Hamstring stretch – Hold for 15 – 30 seconds after the stretch is felt. Repeat on the other leg.
    Hamstring stretch lying on the ground with the band/towel
  • Cat/cow pose – Repeat this motion 5 – 20 times.

 

Cat/cow pose

 

 

Please Note: It is best to consult with a professional before performing any of these stretches or exercises as some disc injuries benefit from these movements and some others disc injuries may be exacerbated. If you do these exercises without consulting a professional, you are accountable and responsible for any risks and/or injury.

Looking for a Chiropractor in Auckland?

Contact Revolution Chiropractic – Leading  Sports Chiropractor Auckland

To Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION at Revolution Chiropractic E-mail or Call us on 09 418 3718.  

You can also book online here!

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