Spinal Disc Problems Treatment in Cork
The spinal bones, or vertebrae, are joined together by cartilage discs. Each disc in the spine consists of a circle of connective tissue (the annulus) with a central jelly-like core (the nucleus). Common problems include Slipped Disc (also known as herniated, prolapsed or ruptured disc) and DDD (degenerative disc disease). The risk factors for disc problems include obesity, advancing age, lack of exercise and incorrect lifting techniques. Over 20% of the population of the Republic of Ireland have herniated discs at any one time that they are not even aware of because they are not pressing on the spinal cord or on nerve roots and are, therefore, causing no discomfort.
Common Spinal Disc Problems
There are many different terms used to describe spinal disc pathology and associated pain. The following spinal disc conditions are the most common and can greatly benefit from chiropractic care.
Bulging Disc
A Bulging Disc is a protrusion of its jelly-like nuclear material which bulges out without breaking through the outer fibres of the annulus. The disc bulges usually in just one direction, which is why people with a bulging disc are likely to have pain/tingling on just one side of the body.
Slipped Disc
A slipped disc (also known as herniated, prolapsed or ruptured disc) occurs when the annulus is ruptured and the softer nucleus spills out. The term ‘slipped disc’ is not medically accurate as the discs are firmly attached between the vertebrae and cannot actually slip out of place.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is an age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates, dries out, cracks or breaks down, leading to pain. Everyone’s discs degenerate over time, but not everyone develops the same symptoms.
You should seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall.
Symptoms of Spinal Disc Conditions
Here are some examples of symptoms typically associated with spinal disc problems such as bulging disc, slipped disc and degenerative disc disease:
Back pain on one side
Sharp back pain
Pain radiating to arms and legs
Muscle weakness
Numbness and Tingling
Sudden neck pain
Pain that worsens at night
Pain when walking
Numbness in the groin
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, we can help! Just fill in the form below to request a Chiropractic Consultation in Cork City.
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Slipped Disc Treatment in Cork
Chiropractic has been proven to be an effective treatment for bulging disc, slipped disc, DDD and the associated pain.
Your first consultation with one of our experienced and fully-qualified Cork chiropractors will take approximately 40 minutes.
Once the chiropractor has obtained your case history and previous medical history, you will be given a thorough orthopaedic and neurological examination.
If you find chiropractic care suitable and wish to continue, your treatment plan will be prepared.
The plan will typically include manual adjustment sessions in which the chiropractor manipulates your vertebral column using a controlled, precise and sudden force to reduce back pain and improve the range and the quality of motion.
Chiropractic treatment can make up for years of abuse and neglect of spinal health that many people endure.
Early diagnosis and conservative treatment is the best way to begin correcting the pain suffered from a spinal disc condition.
Causes of Slipped Disc
A slipped/herniated disc can occur for many reasons. Slipped discs are often seen following trauma such as a road traffic accident or an injury from a fall. More often than not, however, they occur as a result of advancing age. There is some evidence to suggest that very hard physical labour over a prolonged period of time can increase the likelihood of a slipped disc. Herniated discs almost always happen in the lower back and occasionally occur in the neck.
Chiropractic Adjustment
The core of chiropractic therapy consists of:
Manual manipulation: This type of manual manipulation refers to a high-velocity, short lever arm thrust that is applied to the abnormal vertebra with the goal of improving functionality, reducing nerve irritability and restoring range of motion in the back. It is also commonly known as “chiropractic adjustment”
Mobilisation: Chiropractic mobilisation refers to low-velocity manipulation, movement and stretching of the muscles and joints, with the goal of increasing the range of motion within those areas.
Our chiropractors have many years of clinical experience in providing safe, gentle and effective care, suitable for patients of all ages; they are all trained to the highest standards and are fully-qualified members of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland.
If you would like to find out more about what we do at the Douglas Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic and how we could help you get to the root cause of your symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact us.