The treatment for disk herniations has changed dramatically through the years
by Dr. Doug Portman
A “slipped disk” is a misnomer we sometimes hear when people are talking about a bulging or herniated disc. This condition is also known as a disk “protrusion”. Spinal disks are rubbery pads between the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column. Doctors call them intervertebral disks. Each disk is a flat, circular capsule about an inch in diameter and one-quarter inch thick. They have a tough, fibrous, outer membrane (the annulus fibrosus), and an elastic core (the nucleus pulposus).
The disks are firmly embedded between the vertebrae and are held in place by the ligaments connecting the spinal bones and the surrounding sheaths of muscle. There is really little, if any, room for disks to slip or move. They are stabilized within the spinal column to protect them. The spinal nerves exit the posterior lateral foramen (opening) on each side of the vertebrae just below the distal lateral portion of the disk.
[quote_right]They begin to solidify as part of the normal aging process.[/quote_right]The disk is sometimes described as a shock absorber for the spine which makes it sound more flexible or pliable than it really is. While the disks do separate the vertebrae and keep them from rubbing together, they are far from spring-like. In children, they are gel- or fluid-filled sacs, but they begin to solidify as part of the normal aging process. By early adulthood, the blood supply to the disk has stopped, the soft inner material has begun to harden, and the disk is less elastic. By middle age, the disks are more rubber like. These changes related to aging make the outer protective lining weaker and the disks more prone to wear and tear that break down their outer walls.
As the disks outer wall weakens the inner gel like material can leak or push out in either direction causing unilateral compression on the nerve. Or the gel can moves straight back (often called central) it can compression on both nerves exiting the spine. When this happens several things can arise. If there is no direct compression or inflammation on the nerve you can have this condition and exhibit no pain or symptoms at all. Additionally, you could have unilateral or bilateral pain, numbness, or tingling into your glute(s) and or down your legs to a stopping point anywhere along the way to your toes. It is possible you may or may not experience any back pain. Also, it is possibility to have a disk protrusion causing leg symptoms and not exhibit any lower back pain at all.
The treatment for disk herniations has changed dramatically through the years. The invasive procedures of the past surgeries have given way to the more conservative care. Chiropractic care, physical therapy and steroid injections have shown to be very effective in a lot of cases. This has helped reduce the number of repeat surgeries caused by the secondary effects of lumbar fusions and discectomies.
If you have any questions or you would like additional information please do not hesitate to call our office at 513-677-6787.
Dr. Douglas. R. Portmann DC,CCSP,CSCS Wards Corner Chiropractic and Sports Rehab
550 Wards Corner Rd. Ste. 101 Loveland Ohio 45140
