Our intervertebral disc is a cushioning layer sandwiched between our vertebraes. It functions primarily as a shock and pressure absorber.
The intervertebral disc consists of a tough and fibrous outer layer called the annulus, which surrounds an inner gel layer called the nucleus pulpous. (See diagram above)
The intervertebral disc consists of a tough and fibrous outer layer called the annulus, which surrounds an inner gel layer called the nucleus pulpous. (See diagram above)
Slipped disc or disc herniation is a spinal condition involving a tear at the outer annulus layer, thus causing the inner gel material to bulge out. (See diagram below).The ‘displacement’ of the inner gel material can irritates on surrounding spinal structures such as the spinal nerve, as well as triggering excessive inflammatory response, resulting as severe disability.
Disc herniation can affect any segment of our spinal column. Segments that are commonly involved in the cervical spine are the C5/C6 and C7/T1 level, whereas the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels are commonly implicated in the lumbar region.
Disc herniation can be caused by various factors that cause excessive pressure on the disc such as long-term wear and tear, sudden impact, improper lifting or prolonged sitting. For example, improper lifiting technique can result in a load as high as 5x the weight of our body on our low back.
Depending on the extent of the herniation, patients with slipped disc may experience:
• Severe, shooting pain with radiation into limbs.
• Numbness or muscle weakness into limbs.
• Restricted and painful movement.
• Pain with prolonged sitting.
Chiropractors are well trained to manage disc herniation in a drug-free, safe and effective manner. Treatments would usually involve gentle manipulation/mobilisation of the spine to restore functions of the joints, trigger point therapy to relax the tightened muscles, kinesiotaping and exercise therapy to reduce the inflammatory irritation and promote healing.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with disc herniation, please do not hesitate to come in for an examination at Spearwood Chiropractic. Call us on 0481342837 to make an appointment.
Spearwood Chiropractic utilises a unique combination of chiropractic and soft tissue therapy to deliver fast, effective and long lasting results for joints and muscular issues for all ages.
Our chiropractor, Dr Jackson Yee has a vast range of experience in managing muscular and joints disorders. With a particular passion for sports, Jackson has served as sport trainer at Jandakot Jets Football Club, Southern Lions Rugby Union Football Club, Fremantle Croatia Football Club and Lynwood United Football Club. Some services we offer are manipulative therapy, soft tissue therapy (dry needling/ acupuncture, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy), exercise therapy, nutritional advice, biomechanical and ergonomic education, kinesiotaping and bulk billed x-ray referrals (if required).
Some common conditions our chiropractor treats are low back pain, neck pain, headache, sporting injuries, postural issues, nerve entrapment, sciatica, jaw pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, elbow pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain and foot pain.
Private health insurance rebates are available at Spearwood Chiropractic. The amount of coverage varies so please refer to your insurer for your level of rebate.
Located at 26 Sphinx Way Bibra Lake, Spearwood Chiropractic also services the surrounding suburbs of Coogee, Fremantle, Hamilton Hill, Beeliar, Success, Hammond Park, Aubin Grove, Bibra Lake, South Lake, Cockburn Central, Munster and Yangebup. To book an appointment, call us now on 0481342837 or enquire further on www.spearwoodchiropractic.com.au
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