What is a Herniated Disc? Find Out How Spinal Decompression Lawrenceville GA Can Help

Are you struggling with debilitating conditions such as back pain and rely on medications on a daily basis? Does your back pain limit you with your daily activities? Have you tried different kinds of treatments but just do not seem to work? Are you considering surgery but uncomfortable with that choice?

Herniated disc is one of the underlying causes why people suffer from back pain, neck pain, and sciatica. If you are diagnosed with herniated disc, then probably you may be experiencing any of these symptoms.

For us in Sugarloaf Spine and Rehab Center Lawrenceville GA herniated disc should be best corrected by using a nonsurgical treatment method called spinal decompression. Spinal decompression can effectively provide relief using the negative pressure to put the herniated disc back into place, eliminating the pressure along the nerves.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a condition of a spinal disc by which a portion of its nucleus is pushed out of its outer layer through a tear or rupture. A disc herniation is also known as slipped, bulging, or ruptured discs. It can occur anywhere in the spine but is most commonly found in the lumbar spine (lower back) and neck (cervical spine).

What causes disc herniations?

The most common cause of disc herniations is the wear and tear. As we age, our discs lose some of the fluid that helps maintain flexibility.

Injury to the spine can also cause disc herniations. A sudden heavy strain, increased pressure, sudden twisting, or even sneezing will push some portion of the nucleus out of the annulus, the disc’s outer layer. Repetitive activities such as lifting, prolonged exposure to vibration, or sports injuries can cause stress to your spine.

How does a normal disc work?

The spinal discs are found between the vertebrae in the spinal column. There are 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (mid-back) and 5 lumbar (low back) discs. The discs provide three main functions:

• Reduce the stress of impact by absorbing shock from the daily wear and tear
• Allow movement of the spinal column
• Separate the vertebrae

Each disc consists of an outer layer called annulus fibrosis and a soft gel-like core called nucleus pulposus. The discs normally compress everytime there is pressure exerted on them and then decompress when the pressure is relieved.

Spinal discs are made up of collagen and proteoglycans, which are proteins that attract water. The discs do not have blood supply; therefore they exchange nutrients by a process known as imbibition. It works like a sponge by which if compressed, the water is forced out, and drawn back in if the sponge is decompressed. That is precisely how the discs stay healthy and functional.

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment used as an alternative for spinal surgery. It has helped thousands of back pain and neck pain sufferers in relieving their pain caused by herniated discs and other problems such as facet syndrome, degenerative disc disease, and pinched nerves.

Chiropractors are the best choice if you need to see a doctor to treat the cause of your back pain. They specialize in treating spine-related issues and they provide the most effective treatments that do not require medication or surgery. In some cases, spinal decompression is required if other treatments such as physical therapy and medications do not work. However, not all chiropractors offer spinal decompression. Fortunately, your chiropractor Lawrenceville GA offers spinal decompression, excellent for disc pain sufferers who are considering surgery.

How does spinal decompression work?

Spinal decompression is a traction-based therapy that reduces pressure on the nerves exerted by herniated discs. Yet, it works differently from a regular traction. Spinal decompression targets the affected area of the spine and pulls and stretches the spinal segments to open up and relieve the pressure on the nerves and disc. It creates negative pressure or a vacuum effect inside of the disc which allows the disc’s nucleus to be reabsorbed into its normal position.

Spinal decompression can replenish the herniated disc with nutrients through the decompression’s vacuum effect. The vacuum draws in nutrients, oxygen, and necessary fluids to rehydrate the disc and facilitate its healing.

The procedure takes place as you are lying full-clothed on a comfortable table, which has vibration units to relax your spinal muscles. Having relaxed muscles increases the efficacy of the treatment. The table is then tilted to an angle of 20-30 degrees which allows the gravity to gently pull downward and then cause the spinal segments to isolate. This treatment is not painful at all; in fact, some patients even fall asleep during the treatment.

How effective is spinal decompression?

Patients usually feel relief within the first few treatments. Generally, all patients experience reduction of symptoms by 12th to 15th session.

Thousands of patients have been treated with an incredible success rate. Most patients who successfully completed the treatment course have remained pain-free.

If you are tired of coping with the problems caused by the herniated disc, spinal decompression Lawrenceville GA may be able to help you experience relief and gain back your quality of life. With decompression therapy, the end result is actually a stronger and much healthier disc that functions the way it should be.