Is it Just Back Pain?

If you have experienced back problems in your life, you are part of an overwhelming majority in Boxtel. Most of us will experience back pain at some point or another after heavy or uncomfortable lifting or after a tough workout. If the pain comes from a tense muscle, it will likely resolve itself within a few days of rest. If the pain isn't muscular, well then you have a bigger problem to contend with, probably a spinal injury. Our Boxtel chiropractor can help.

These injuries are not uncommon and can be extremely painful. It's important to understand the anatomy of the spine, including the disc, and how they play a role in your overall spine health. Especially in cases where they herniate or become thinner as a result of a degenerative disease such as arthritis.

THE SPINAL DISK in Boxtel

There is a cushion between each of the vertebrae, these are called intervertebral discs. They are a cartilage-type compound with a soft gel-like center and a stronger shell, a ligamentous wall, enveloping the entire disc. They are attached to the vertebrae and act as a kind of shock absorber and cushion to keep the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Not only do they protect against impact, they also play a vital role in keeping the spine flexible and extremely strong.

When a disc protrudes or bulges, the gel in the center of the disc begins to push out against the harder outer shell or the ligamentous wall of the disc, but this wall has not yet ruptured. Statistics show that nearly 60% of adults actually have one or more bulging discs, but they are asymptomatic, meaning they don't experience any symptoms of pain. Once the inner gel begins to tear the outer ligamentous wall, the disc has progressed from what is considered excellent for a hernia. A bulging or herniated disc can lead to nerve irritation, inflammation, possible numbness, and quite often severe pain.

A ruptured disc or disc extrusion is a serious condition that results when the inner gel completely tears through the harder ligamentous wall of the disc. Since the gel escapes severe back pain, extremely delayed movement can result.

Take the first step to enlightenment and restore your quality of life! Call our Boxtel chiropractors team today to schedule a consultation to understand your condition and how to treat it gently.