Disc Injuires

As you can see, many types of problems can occur with the disc.  Most disc bulges occur at the neck and in the low back.  Here at Watertown Chiropractic, Dr. Bryan Dingsor can treat both successfully.  The key is to get the disc back to it’s “normal” state and position.  Dr. Dingsor utilizes traction and specific stabilizing stretches for each patient.

Do discs slip?
In lay terms, a slipped disc can mean a ruptured disc or herniated disc (her-knee-ate-ed). Although the term slipped disc is used, discs do not slip. Each intervertebral disc is sandwiched between two vertebrae supported by a system of ligaments that help hold the spinal package together.

What is the difference between a bulging and herniated disc?
Disc disorders are contained or non-contained. A bulging disc is an example of a contained disc disorder. A bulging disc has not broken open; the nucleus pulposus (new-klee-us pul-poe-sis) remains contained within the anulus fibrosus (an-you-lus fye-bro-sis). A bulging disc could be compared to a volcano prior to eruption and may be a precursor to herniation. The disc may protrude into the spinal canal without breaking open. The gel-like interior (nucleus pulposus) does not leak out. The disc remains intact except a small bubble pops out attached to the disc.

 Home Care Instructions

1. Avoid any type of bending from the waist.  Remember to hip hinge as taught by your chiropractor.
2. Avoid any bending during the first hour in the morning after you wake up.
3. Ice the back by laying flat on your back with your feet propped up on a chair in a 90 degree position.
4. Keep any lifting, traveling in a car/truck, or sitting to a minimum.  All of these cause the disc to bulge.