What Causes Disc Problems?
Discs are the soft but strong cushions that separate the bones (vertebrae) in your spine and absorb shock as you move. Repeated strain over time, an injury, or sudden, forceful movements can damage discs and irritate nerves, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in your back, legs, neck, and arms.

A Healthy Disc
A disc has a spongy, gel-like center (nucleus) and tough outer ring (annulus). The vertebrae rock back and forth and rotate on the discs, allowing you to move easily.

Bulging Disc
With repeated stress, a disc can wear down. The disc's nucleus may begin to bulge into the annulus and irritate nearby nerves.

Ruptured Disc
Sudden trauma can cause a disc to rupture. The nucleus pushes through the annulus and presses on nearby nerves, causing severe pain.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Me?
Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your overall health-focusing not only on your discs but also on your lifestyle. This total approach to wellness helps determine the best treatment for you problem.

History
To help find the cause of your disc problem, you and your chiropractor discuss your symptoms. You might have a disc problem, for example, if it's painful to cough or sneeze. Your doctor of chiropractic also discusses prior injuries, your health history, and your lifestyle, including work-related and leisure activities.

Physical Exam
Physical, orthopedic (bone and muscle), and neurological (nerve) tests can help reveal the condition of your discs. Your chiropractor gently moves your spine and legs to locate muscle tightness and show how well each vertebra moves.

Tests
X-rays may be done to reveal any problems with your vertebrae. If needed, other imaging tests, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), may be used to show detailed images of discs, nerves, and other soft tissue.

Diagnosis
Based on the results of your exam and test, you doctor of chiropractic may recommend a treatment program to help realign your vertebrae, relieve irritation on your spinal nerves, and reduce pain. If needed, your chiropractor also consults with or refers you to other medical specialists.

How Does A Chiropractor Treat Disc Problems?
Your doctor of chiropractic is trained to restore the health of you spine. Special chiropractic methods, called adjustments, may relieve the irritation that's causing your back pain.

Spinal Adjustments
Your treatment depends on the nature of your disc problem. During a spinal adjustment, your chiropractor gently presses on your spine to increase range of motion in your joints, relieve irritated nerves, and help prevent further injury to your discs.

Related Adjustments
Your chiropractor may suggest other types of treatment to relieve pressure on your spinal nerves. These may include ice or heat, massage, electrical stimulation, traction, ultrasound, or trigger point therapy. Your chiropractor can discuss these with you.

What Can I Do To Prevent Disc Problems?
Protect your spine and boost your overall health by using good posture, staying active, eating right, and taking time to relax. Talk with your chiropractor about exercises to strengthen your back and improve your range of motion. Always keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in line when you sit, stand, or lie down. When sitting, also be sure to support your lumbar (lower back) curve.

Spinal Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal exams. Even if you don't have symptoms, chiropractic care is one of the best ways to manage or prevent disc problems and maintain a healthier life.