A chiropractor is one of the best medical providers to see when someone has a problem with herniated or degenerating intervertebral discs. The treatment to remedy these health problems will focus on a holistic process that will give the patient the ability to recover and even prevent a recurrence.
Intervertebral discs are the cushiony layers between the vertebrae bones that absorb any shocks when you run or walk, or if you have an accident, such as a fall, that impacts your spine. The discs have a tough outer ring that is flexible and a soft center that is similar to jelly. If the soft middle area pushes out due to an injury or an alignment problem and puts pressure against the outer ring or even ruptures it and causes a herniated disc, this can result in back pain. These problems with the intervertebral discs can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, leg weakness, and numbness. Dr. Damon Butler is a chiropractor with Central Chiropractic Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who can help you with your disc pain. Effective treatments for the problems with intervertebral discs are decompression therapy and activator techniques.
Decompression Therapy for Intervertebral Disc Problems
Decompression removes the pressure on the spinal column temporarily, which helps the discs get nutritional fluid that helps them heal. The chiropractor uses a special table that stretches the patient's spine. Any discs that are bulging or herniated may realign and stop placing pressure on nerves.
The patient moves into many different positions while the spinal column is stretched, and this allows the discs to realign or move back to their natural position between the vertebrae bones.
The Activator Method Technique for Intervertebral Disc Problems
An activator device can be used as a chiropractic treatment. The small handheld instrument causes an impulse to move the spine joints, which is similar to a reflex test for the knee. It causes each of the points along the spine to move quickly and helps with realignment since the vertebrae could be putting pressure on the nerves, or stiff muscle tissue could be making the spine out of line with its normal position. The activator method causes a very quick reflex response and avoids muscles tensing and blocking the vertebrae from changing position, which could occur when the chiropractor attempts to realign the spine manually.
Dr. Butler is a chiropractor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who can help you with your disc pain. Contact Central Chiropractic Center today at 225-706-0454 to schedule an appointment!