How Ruptured Discs Steal Our Health
How Ruptured Discs Steal Our Health. Nearly 3 million people in the united states will be diagnosed with a disc problem this year. A ruptured disc can be mild or severe. Only a medical professional can diagnose a ruptured disc. In this article we will explain how ruptured discs steal our health.
How Ruptured Discs Steal Our Health
What is a ruptured disc? How Ruptured Discs Steal Our Health
A ruptured disc can also be called a herniated disc or a slipped disc. When the soft jelly like stuff on the inside of a spinal disc comes outside, we say that it has been ruptured or herniated. The outside of a disc is made of some pretty strong material. If that material is injured, or becomes cracked, then the middle substance of your disc may pierce through it.
How does a disc become ruptured? How Ruptured Discs Steal Our Health
A disc may become ruptured several different ways. It may be due to trauma such as in a car accident. It could also be due to repetitive motions at work. This is mainly because of poor posture while working and may take years to develop. You can also get a ruptured disc easier if you have certain genetic conditions such as those with Ehlers-Danlos.
How ruptured discs steal our health?
People who have a ruptured disc may or may not show symptoms. Sometimes a disc ruptures backwards and puts pressure on the spinal cord. This can result in significant pain and muscle spasms. It can also send pain into the legs, especially if the ruptured disc is in the low back. When a ruptured disc puts pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves, it can cause extremely sharp pain. That pain can make every aspect of your life more difficult. It can prevent you from working, sleeping, or even walking!
Who do I talk to for a ruptured disc?
If you believe that you may have a ruptured disc, there are several people you can go to. Your primary care doctor will be able to help, as will any local hospital. There are several images that they may take to find out if the disc is ruptured. One is an x-ray and the other is an MRI. You can also go to your chiropractor. A chiropractor has been trained extensively on ruptured discs. They can help determine if you have one, and can help treat it as well depending on the severity.
What can be done for a ruptured disc?
Depending upon the severity of a ruptured disc, there are several things that can be done for them. Some will go away with time and are very mild or symptomless. The moderate ones can be quite painful and require more attention. Chiropractors will employ multiple adjustments and therapies to help alleviate the pain caused from the disc putting pressure on the nerves. Therapies may include flexion distraction, electric muscle stimulation, and cryotherapy. A medical doctor will most likely prescribe a pain killer and/or a muscle relaxer. If the ruptured disc is too severe, it may have to be operated on by a surgeon. Your chiropractor and medical doctor will be able to tell you which one you have.
