© SiverCreekChiropractic 2024
Disc Injury
The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated
between spinal bones. The soft jellylike center
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.
Since spinal discs have a very poor blood supply, they
depend upon the circulation of joint fluids to bring in
nutrients and expel waste. If a spinal joint loses its
normal motion or position and this pumping action is
impaired, the health of the disc and deteriorate. Like a
wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible.
A dry sponge is hard, stiff and can crack easily. This is
how many disc problems begin. Because of the way
each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below
it, a disc cannot "slip" as 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,
interfering with their function.
Dr. Lukonaitis will take the chiropractic approach to
disc problems to help restore better motion and
position to the spinal joints. Besides reducing disc
bulging, better spinal function can help decrease
inflammation and begin the slow process of healing in
the surrounding soft tissues.
© SiverCreekChiropractic 2024