Did you know that our chiropractor in Rensselaer County, NY, is licensed to provide non-surgical treatment for pain linked to intervertebral disc injuries? Dr. Kevin Cuttler, of Cuttler Chiropractic, has specialized training in performing corrective treatment on patients who suffer disc injury from an auto accident, work injury, or another spinal disorder.
What are the Types of Intervertebral Disc Injuries?
An intervertebral disc is a small fibrocartilage structure located between each pair of vertebrae that make up the spine. The soft cushiony discs protect the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine from injury by absorbing the shocks from movements. However, the disc itself can bulge or herniate.
- Bulging disc: The outer layers of the disc remain normal, but the disc appears flattened and protrudes. A bulging disc usually happens when the disc becomes dry or stiff.
- Herniated disc: A herniated disc also called a ruptured or slipped disc is where the jelly-like inner core of the disc pushes out from within the disc. Disc herniation and bulging frequently occur in the lumbar spine from auto accident injury. These disc problems are also common causes of chronic low back pain.
Causes of Disc Injuries
Whiplash from an auto accident and wear and tear from aging are frequently responsible for disc damage. Other contributing factors include:
- Repetitive use injury
- Being overweight
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Spinal misalignment
- Lifting heavy objects
Problems Linked to Disc Injuries
Sciatica and pinched nerve are two spine-related problems that are most likely to occur from the primary injury. The disc itself or the material from within the torn disc can irritate the nerve, nerve root, or sciatic nerve. This often causes inflammation, neck pain, back pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and reduced mobility.
How Our Rensselaer County NY Chiropractor Treats Intervertebral Disc Injuries
Dr. Cuttler will ask about your daily routines, examine your spine, and perform other tests to determine the true cause of the injury. We will use the information when designing your treatment plan.
Both spinal adjustments and spinal decompression can help alleviate disc pain, nerve pain symptoms, neck pain, and back pain. Adjustments or manipulation are done to realign the spinal joints and bones and take the pressure off the disc and spinal cord. Decompression therapy is a leading treatment for disc pain. It involves a painless traction technique that stretches the spine to reposition a herniated disc.
Corrective treatment also includes massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and other healing therapies. They provide relief for musculoskeletal pain and help increase flexibility. Our chiropractor may advise you to improve your food choices and manage lifestyle habits that may cause reinjury.
Call Cuttler Chiropractic Today
We know how disruptive disc injury and pain can be to your life. Call our Rensselaer County, NY, clinic at (518) 283-2371 and we can schedule your consultation.