The common wisdom about disc injuries is that you either have surgery or deal with it for life. But what if I told you that this conventional thinking is all wrong? In this post, we challenge the status quo and offer a fresh, alternative perspective on how to truly heal the disc naturally, without having to go under the knife.
Can a Chiropractor Fix Slipped, Bulging and Herniated Discs?
Chiropractors are the go-to rehab practitioner for healing disc injuries of any kind, this is because they are experts of the spine. However, not all chiropractors offer the leading cutting-edge treatment for discs: Flexion-Distraction. Read on to discover how it’s the best treatment for your disc injury
What Is a Slipped Disc, Bulge or Herniation?
There are various forms of spinal/intervertebral disc injuries ranging from mild to severe. Slipped disc is a colloquial term for all disc injuries. To understand the difference between a bulge and a herniation we need to know the anatomy of a disc. The intervertebral disc is composed of a gel-like fluid encapsulated by circular layers of ligaments.
They sit in between your spinal vertebrae to create a cushion and help your spine absorb and distribute force. A disc herniation is where the layers of ligaments tear allowing the fluid to leak out into the spinal canal and put pressure on nearby nerves. A disc bulge (aka disc protrusion) is where the ligaments don’t tear but the fluid starts to push backwards pushing the ligaments into the spinal canal.
What Is Flexion-Distraction Technique?
This is a treatment that requires a specific Flexion-Distraction table to perform. The lower half of the table, where your legs are laying, hinges downward to create decompression into the low back while the chiropractor uses their hands to target the decompression at a specific disc. This motion creates a negative pressure which pulls the leaking inner fluid back into the disc, this is crucial for healing the disc and taking pressure off of the impacted nerves.
Is It Safe To Get Adjusted With a Herniated Disc?
Your Chiropractor in Mississauga will determine when the appropriate time to begin adjusting is, it will depend on your specific injury. However, it is typically started earlier with disc bulges compared to herniations. They will likely start by adjusting areas around the injury in a gentle way that is not aggravating to the disc.
How Long Does It Take for a Herniated Disc To Heal?
This will depend on the severity of the disc injury. Disc bulges typically take 1-2 months for full recovery while herniations range from 2-4 months.
Does Herniated Disc Ever Fully Heal?
In order for a disc to fully heal, the fluid needs to be pulled back in with Flexion-Distraction and then that position needs to be maintained while the ligaments heal.
What if My Disc Is Just Degenerated, Not Herniated?
Flexion-Distraction works to treat degenerative disc disease (DDD) because in this condition the disc has lost most of its inner fluid, causing it to flatten. The negative pressure created during Flexion-Distraction draws fluids from around the spine into the disc to help rehydrate it.
Final Words
Now that you’ve learned about disc injuries, if you are dealing with one it’s time to take action. Our chiropractors at Mississauga’s Body Science Therapy specialize in Flexion-Distraction and we’re here to help you fully heal that disc, not letting it become a chronic issue. Book your appointment today and let’s keep you strong and resilient.
We can help you with a wide variety of conditions including neck pain, arm pain, sports injuries and other chronic pain conditions.
