Backaches and sciatica image.

Natural Healing for Bulging Discs

Each set of bones (vertebrae) in your spine are cushioned by a disc that makes movement easier. This disc also acts as a "shock absorber" to keep the bones from rubbing against one another any time you move.

When a disc moves out of its proper place, it's called a ruptured, bulging, herniated or slipped disc. All these terms mean the same thing – the disc is damaged. A person with a damaged disc can experience pain and loss of movement in the area of the damaged disc. And… if the disc exerts pressure on a nerve that is exiting the spine, other areas of the body can be affected as well.

What causes a damaged disc?

    • Normal wear and tear on the disc that results from the aging process (disc degeneration). This can cause a loss of fluid (nourishment) that discs need to remain soft and flexible.

    • Sudden movement or lifting a heavy object may result in injury to the disc.

    • Repetitive movements that put stress on the spine, such as sports, improper lifting techniques, etc., can cause disc damage.

If a damaged disc doesn't press on a nerve, there may be very mild pain or no pain at all. However, if the disc places pressure on a nerve, the area of the body affected by the nerve may experience pain, numbness, "pins and needles," muscle spasms or weakness.

Typical medical treatment usually includes pain management medications, exercise, physical therapy or surgery if the condition does not resolve itself. However, chiropractic care is a conservative, non-invasive, all-natural approach to healing herniated discs.

Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct nerve interference in the spine caused by bones that have shifted out of place. In the case of a herniated disc that interferes with proper nerve function, chiropractors administer a series of low force adjustments that can facilitate healing of the damaged disc.

We would be happy to offer you more information on this or any other condition and explain how chiropractic care may be able to help you heal.

Dr. Crouse Asks some important questions of interest to Hickory residents - Chiropractor Hickory Dr. Crouse Asks...

Why are some people allergic to pollen and others aren't?
It's not the pollen. Chiropractors know that if it were, everyone would be allergic to pollen, nuts and pet dander. But that's not the case. It's the person, not the pollen! If you live in Hickory and your stress levels are high, then each year the grass, the trees or the weeds put your nervous system over the top. Many report that chiropractic care helps reduce the frequency and severity of their allergic response.
What happens if you stop chiropractic care when you feel better?
Many Hickory folks recognize that this predisposes you to a relapse. Chiropractors know that muscles and ligaments supporting the spine don't fully heal until after symptoms subside.