Herniated Discs

At our Jackson, MI chiropractic office, we effectively treat “slipped discs”, herniated discs, disc prolapse, as well as intense sciatic nerve irritations that commonly accompany these disc lesions.

Between each vertebra in the lumbar spine (low back) there is a fibro-cartilaginous disc that acts like a cushion, shock absorber, and/or spacer (depicted in blue).  Each disc has two components: the central part of the disc has a gel-like consistency (depicted in red) called the nucleus, and the outer ring of the disc (depicted in white) is a tougher, fibrous material with multiple layers adding to its strength.  The fibrous annulus (white) holds the gel nucleus (red) within its walls.

The walls of the annulus ring (white) commonly crack or tear.  The cracks or tears are warning signs of what will follow.  The early symptom of a crack or tear will normally be low back pain, sharp in character with forward bending.  The low back pain fades over time but the initial crack or tear starts the disc degenerative process.  Over time, this outer wall (white) gets weaker and weaker until, with some common daily activity, the annulus (white) ring breaks, and the nucleus (red) bulges or herniates through the ring.  When the disc bulges into the vertebral canal it will irritate the spinal nerve and severe low back pain, sciatic nerve pain, and muscle spasms will often follow.

Chiropractic care, particularly Cox Flexion Distraction, can help relieve pressure on the discs and improve mobility. Early detection and treatment can prevent further degeneration and avoid surgery.