Understanding Disc Injuries and Back Pain in Plymouth, MA
If you have dealt with back pain at some point in your life, you are far from alone. Most people experience back pain after heavy or awkward lifting or a hard workout. If the pain is coming from a strained muscle, it will usually ease on its own within a few days of rest.
If the pain is not muscular, you may be dealing with a more serious problem, such as a spinal disc injury. Our Plymouth, MA chiropractors can help you find out what is going on and what to do next.
Disc injuries are common and can be very painful. Understanding how the discs in your spine work can help you make sense of your symptoms, especially when a disc becomes herniated or begins thinning due to degenerative conditions such as arthritis.
The Spinal Disc
Between each vertebra in your spine is a cushion called an intervertebral disc. Each disc has a soft, gel-like center surrounded by a tougher outer wall. The discs are attached to the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers, keeping the bones from rubbing together.
Along with protecting the spine from impact, spinal discs help keep your back flexible while also providing strength and stability.
Bulging Discs
When a disc begins to bulge, the gel-like center pushes against the outer wall of the disc. At this stage, the outer wall is still intact and has not torn.
Research shows that many adults have one or more bulging discs without any symptoms at all. However, a bulging disc can still irritate nearby nerves, causing inflammation, discomfort, numbness, or pain.
Herniated Discs
When the inner gel begins to push through a tear in the outer wall, a bulging disc becomes a herniated disc. Herniated discs can put pressure on nearby nerves, often causing pain, inflammation, tingling, or numbness. When a herniated disc in the low back presses on the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica that travels down the leg.
Ruptured Discs (Disc Extrusion)
A ruptured disc, also called a disc extrusion, is a more serious condition that happens when the inner gel breaks completely through the outer wall of the disc. This can cause severe back pain, nerve irritation, and limited movement.
Prompt evaluation and conservative care, such as chiropractic care, can help reduce symptoms and improve mobility, which makes early care important.
Find Relief from Back Pain Today
Take the first step toward relief and getting back to the things you enjoy. Contact our Plymouth chiropractic team to schedule a visit and learn about the conservative care options available for your condition.
