Disc problems are among the most common and most misunderstood causes of spinal pain. A herniated disc, a bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease can produce anything from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that radiates into the arms or legs and makes it difficult to perform even basic daily activities. The good news is that the majority of disc problems respond well to conservative chiropractic care when the condition is properly evaluated and the right treatment approach is applied.
Dr. Jeff Brown has been diagnosing and treating disc problems in Greenville for over 40 years. His thorough examination process and broad range of treatment techniques make him well equipped to handle disc conditions at every level of the spine.
Understanding Spinal Discs
The intervertebral discs are the cushioning structures that sit between each pair of vertebrae in the spine. Each disc has a tough outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a soft gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. The discs act as shock absorbers, allow for spinal movement, and maintain the spacing between the vertebrae that the spinal nerves need to exit the spine without being compressed.
When a disc is injured or degenerates over time, its ability to perform these functions is compromised, and the resulting changes can put pressure on the surrounding nerves and produce significant pain.
Common Disc Conditions We Treat
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of the disc pushes through a tear in the outer ring and protrudes into the spinal canal. This protrusion can press directly on a nerve root and produce pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arm or leg depending on the level of the spine affected.
Bulging Disc
A bulging disc is a less severe condition in which the disc expands beyond its normal boundary without rupturing. Bulging discs can still compress nearby nerves and produce symptoms similar to a herniation, though typically less severe.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease but rather a description of the natural aging process of the spinal discs. As discs lose hydration and height over time, the spacing between the vertebrae decreases, which can lead to nerve compression, joint inflammation, and chronic pain.
Chiropractic care can help manage the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and slow the progression of degeneration by maintaining proper spinal motion and alignment.
Symptoms of Disc Problems
Disc problems can produce a wide range of symptoms depending on which disc is affected and which nerves are involved.
Common symptoms include:
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Localized neck or back pain at the level of the affected disc
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Sharp or shooting pain that radiates into the arm or leg
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Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
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Muscle weakness in the affected extremity
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Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
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Relief with movement or walking in some cases
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Difficulty finding a comfortable position
How We Treat Disc Problems
Treatment for disc problems at Brown Chiropractic Center is tailored to the specific disc condition identified during your examination. Dr. Brown uses a combination of techniques that are particularly well suited to disc injuries and are applied with the precision that disc conditions demand.
Cox disc distraction is a primary treatment approach for disc herniations and bulging discs. This gentle, hands-on flexion distraction technique decompresses the affected disc and nerve root, reduces intradiscal pressure, and creates the conditions that allow the disc to heal.
Lumbar or cervical traction provides additional decompression. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper spinal alignment and motion at the affected and adjacent levels. Cold laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound reduce inflammation around the disc and nerve. High voltage galvanism addresses the muscle spasm that commonly accompanies disc injuries.
What to Expect
Disc conditions generally require a more extended course of care than simple muscle strains, particularly when nerve involvement is present. Dr. Brown will give you an honest assessment of your condition after your examination and a realistic expectation of what treatment can accomplish and how long it is likely to take.
Progress is monitored throughout your care and your treatment plan is adjusted as you respond.
