Disc Pain
"Disc lesion" refers to a disruption of the collagen fibers and displacement of fluid inside the intervertebral discs. Disc disruptions are accompanied by inflammation which produces local symptoms or in more severe cases, a radiating pain that travels down the legs mimicking sciatica. Significant disc disruption can lead to disc bulging or herniation, resulting in compression of nerve roots which further increases the pain.
Disc lesions are rarely the result of a single traumatic event, but rather, the repetitive bending and stress on the spine from everyday life, beginning with repetitive disc sprain, leading to herniation, ending in degeneration and pain. Symptoms may arise from inflammation, mechanical compression of the nerves surrounding the spine, or both. Disc pain often begins with localized symptoms and progresses into radicular complaints which can travel across the body depending on where the disc lesion is. If the cervical spine is the source of the disc pain it can radiate into the head, neck, shoulders, down the arms, or even into both hands. If the lumbar spine is the source of the pain it can radiate into glutes, thighs, calves, ankles, or even both feet. Pain is typically worse with prolonged sitting, workstation use, driving, or repetitive bending.
Here at Binger Chiropractic we address the root cause of discogenic pain by adjusting the spine and mobilizing the tissue surrounding the nerves of the disc. Spinal manipulation has been shown to be safe, appropriate, and effective for the management of disc herniation and/or radiculopathy. By utilizing the McKenzie method, we will also find your directional preference for the spine and give you a way to centralize your pain and stop the radiation. This releases the pressure from the discs and muscles surrounding the nerves and allows for the nerves to function properly again, alleviating the symptoms of your pain.