Herniated discs can quickly derail your quality of life. You may find yourself in constant pain and your mobility could be reduced as well. Folks who live in or near Cary, NC, and are dealing with a herniated disc should get in touch with the Swank Chiropractic Sports Medicine and Wellness Center. Dr. Abigail "Abbie" Swank, Dr. Parker Neill, and Dr. Timothy Swank can help you recover from a variety of physical conditions. Besides sports injuries, they can treat general musculoskeletal ailments and auto accident injuries.
Herniated Discs: What Are They? What Causes Them?
You’ve probably felt the bony back of your spine or someone else’s spine at some point. Ever wonder how the spine can be so tough, yet so bendable? Much of it comes down to the fact that the spine is made up of small bones, called vertebrae. Between these vertebrae, you’ll find soft, gel-like discs that act as cushions, thus helping the spine bend and flex.
The discs themselves are made up of different parts. There’s a rubbery, hard exterior part of the disc that is known as the annulus. Inside of that, there’s a softer, gelatinous nucleus. Sometimes this nucleus will bulge outward, often through a tear in the annulus. Once displaced, it can pinch a nerve root or muscle, resulting in pain. This pain may intensify when you move your spine.
What causes herniated discs? Often, too much strain on the discs can create tears and put pressure on the nucleus. This strain could be the result of a traumatic event, like a sports injury or car accident. It might also build up over time, due to lifestyle factors such as improper lifting techniques. As you get older, your discs can become more brittle, making them more prone to injury.
As you can imagine, a herniated disc is a potentially serious issue for residents of Cary, NC, to deal with. Dr. Abbie Swank, Dr. Neill, and Dr. Timothy Swank can provide hands-on treatments to help you deal with your condition.
Treatment For Herniated Discs
Many different types of care can help with herniated discs. First, preventative steps, such as learning proper lifting techniques and how to stretch to reduce the risk of injury can go a long way. Spinal adjustments can also be used to relieve tension in the back, which can ease pressure on the spine. Spinal decompression, which uses advanced machinery to slowly stretch out the spine and give herniated discs space to retract, is one of the most reliable forms of care.
Need help with a herniated disc in Cary, NC? Give 919-460-6098 a ring at your earliest convenience to reach the Swank Chiropractic Sports Medicine and Wellness Center. Dr. Abbie Swank, Dr. Neill, and Dr. Timothy Swank look forward to assisting you and your family.