Between the vertebrae of your spine are 23 discs which act as spacers and shock absorbers. These discs have a soft, gel-like center surrounded by layers of fibrous tissues which hold the gel-like material inside.  Think of a cream filled donut and that’s similar to a disc. Sometimes, due to an injury, repetitive stress, genetic defects or a poor lifestyle, the material in the middle of a disc pushes to one side or even ruptures. This is called a bulged or herniated disc.  Some people refer to a herniated disc as a “slipped disc.” This is actually incorrect since discs do not slip “out of place” because they are attached to the bone, but rather the gel-like material pushes out of the disc and can irritate the nerve.
Where it occurs:  Bulging or herniated discs can appear in any part of the spine but they are most common in the lumbar or lower back region.

The following strategies may help you reduce your chance of having a bulged or herniated disc:

• Chiropractic adjustments help reduce the pressure that can be placed on the disc.  Getting adjusted will not cause the disc to be compressed but actually can help de-compress the disc.  Keeping pressure off the disc will often allow it to heal on its own.
• Acupuncture can also help in reducing the sciatica symptoms often associated with a disc bulge.  Not all sciatica symptoms are caused by disc bulges.
• Practicing good posture – standing and sitting straight, keeping your back straight when lifting.  Slouching will place more pressure on the disc.      Parents, tell your children to stand and sit-up straight and correct their posture.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight places more pressure on discs and other joints of the body.
• Exercise regularly. Keeping your core muscles strong, which are the muscles that surround the spine, help support the vertebra and discs.  Ask your chiropractor about exercises to strengthen your back, stomach and core muscles.
• If you sit too much, get out of your chair every hour and walk for several minutes. Sitting places 11 times more pressure on your discs than standing..
• Stop smoking.  Smoking depletes the oxygen content to the disc and can cause it to degenerate prematurely.
• Proper nutrition.  Giving the body proper nutrition will allow the body to heal naturally and be able to combat daily stressors.  Certain supplements and nutrients can help the disc heal faster.

Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the nerve endings that line the surface of the joint and course through the space between the joints, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function.  Removing any irritation of the nervous system with chiropractic adjustments allows your body to heal itself naturally.