Can Correcting Spinal Alignment Eliminate Disc Pain In Traverse City MI?
Disc herniations or bulges can be debilitating, significantly impacting your quality of life. If you are experiencing this kind of pain, you are not alone. At Shift Health Center, we specialize in corrective chiropractic care in Traverse City MI designed to address the root causes of your discomfort and provide lasting relief.
For this week’s blog we have invited guest writer, Dr. Chris Gubbels. Dr. Gubbels is Advanced Certified in Chiropractic Biophysics and specializes in the non-surgical treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis. He’ll be discussing how misalignments in the spine can lead to disc herniations.
What is a intervertebral disc and what does it do?
An intervertebral disc is the connective tissues between two vertebrae. It’s constructed of outer cartilaginous ring that surrounds an interior gel section called the nucleus pulposus. When the spine is in normal alignment the weight is evenly distributed throughout the disc. The disc main function is to support the normal openings for the spinal canal and openings where the nerves branch out and travel to the rest of the body.
Understanding Disc-Related Pain In Traverse City MI
There are several potential causes of disc related pain including disc herniations or bulges, tears in the disc know as fissures and degeneration. A disc herniation is when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer. Think what it would look like if you squeezes a jelly donut and the inside squirted out. With a disc bulge the inner gel does not protrude through outer fibrous ring, but the whole outer ring sticks out.
A good analogy for a disc bulge to imagine what would happen if you squeezed an ice cream sandwich and the ice cream bulged out the sides. Both herniations and bulges can cause the disc to put pressure on the nerves, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Intense back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased mobility
Spinal Alignment & Disc Herniations
When viewed from the front the spine should be straight and when viewed from the side there should be three curves in the spine; one for the neck (cervical curve), one for the mid-back (thoracic curve), and one for the low back (lumbar curve). When the spine is in proper alignment weight is evenly distributed and pressure on the disc goes down the center of the disc. Several factors can contribute to disc herniation, including poor posture, repetitive stress, and spinal misalignment. Sometime patients will lead forward for relief from stenosis (narrowing of a canal) caused by a disc herniation.
A study in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders demonstrated the an anterior sagittal balance with disc herniation is often reduced after procedures to reduce the herniations..
There are two primary spinal conditions that can contribute to disc herniations and bulges.
- A loss of the normal curve of the lumbar spine combined with forward lean of the upper body. This forward lean is called an anterior sagittal balance. The loss of the normal lumbar curve and forward lead transfers the weight to the front of the disc causing the center of the disc to protrude posterior into the nerve openings.
- Scoliosis curves. Scoliosis is when the spine bends to the side and rotates. This also puts uneven pressure on the disc causing the disc to bulge or herniate to the side.
The Role Of Corrective Chiropractic Care
Corrective chiropractic care aims to realign the spine and restore proper function. At Shift Health Center, our approach is grounded in Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP), a research-based methodology that combines principles of physics, mathematics, and biomechanics to correct spinal abnormalities.
Our process begins with a comprehensive examination, including digital X-rays and postural analysis, to identify the specific misalignments contributing to your pain. Based on these findings, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include:
- Spinal Adjustments: Precise, gentle manipulations to restore normal motion in the joints and mirror image adjustments to train the body to hold proper alignment.
- Traction Therapy: Mirror image traction is used to mold the spine back to its normal alignment, gradually correcting spinal curvature which helps balance the pressure on the disc and restore disc health.
- Rehabilitative Exercises: Mirror image exercises work to rehab the body back towards a corrected position to retrain the nerves and muscles to hold the body in a corrected posture. This type of rehab is known as neuromuscular reeducation.
The Benefits of Corrective Chiropractic Care
Patients who undergo corrective chiropractic care at Shift Health Center often experience significant improvements, including:
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Enhanced mobility and flexibility
- Improved posture and spinal alignment
- Long-term relief and prevention of future disc issues
Our holistic approach not only addresses the immediate symptoms but also promotes overall spinal health, ensuring you can enjoy a pain-free and active lifestyle.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Looking for disc herniation treatment in Traverse City? At Shift Health Center, we are dedicated to helping you find effective, non-surgical solutions to your disc herniation or bulge. Our expert team, is committed to providing personalized care that addresses your unique needs and promotes lasting wellness.
Don’t let disc pain control your life any longer. Take the first step toward relief by scheduling an initial examination at Shift Health Center today. Call us at (231) 846-8897 or visit our website to book your appointment. Discover how corrective chiropractic care can transform your life and help you reclaim your health.
About the Author:
Dr. Chris Gubbels is a leading authority in non-surgical scoliosis care. To learn more, or if you are looking for scoliosis treatment in Denver, visit here.
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Shift Health Center
2400 Northern Visions Dr
Traverse City, MI 49684
P: (231) 846-8897
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