Chiropractic Treatment for a Slipped Disc
Contributed By Sandy | Published: Jul 12, 2005
|
by Dr. Greg c. Molis from
WestValleyChiropractor
|
A slipped (bulged) disc is one that has happened due to
damage from an injury. The disc is like a supportive
cushion between the bones of the spine called vertebra. The
disc can press against the nerve and cause inflammation of
the nerve. As a result, there is pain along the path of the
nerve, often radiating into the leg. When a patient visits
a chiropractor for relief from the pain associated with
this problem and to have the disc adjusted back into place,
the doctor will take a history of other medical conditions
and do orthopedic and neurological testing which are
standards of practice in chiropractic offices.
Chiropractors use other diagnostic procedures that are
unique to chiropractic and establish the foundation for
a program of care. They look carefully at a patient~s
posture and perform a postural analysis of the patient.
They use techniques such as motion and static palpation to
determine exact areas of restrictions in spinal joint
motion. They palpate muscles and perform muscle testing, as
well as perform tests for pelvic balance and determine
whether there whether one leg is shorter than the other.
X-rays of the lower back are taken if necessary. Depending
on the findings, the chiropractor may call for an MRI or
other imaging study of the back.
Next step for the chiropractor is to analyze the findings
of the various tests that have been conducted. With these
tests reports he decides whether there is a disc injury or
not? If yes then what kind of injury and what is its
intensity. There are cases when chiropractic care is not
suited to the patient. Particularly in cases where the
patient has suffered from excessive damage with advanced
loss of strength, sensation, and reflexes. In such a case
the chiropractor first refers the patient to a spine
surgeon.
Disc conditions are treated in chiropractic with a gentle
program of low-force techniques. Chiropractors who treat
disc conditions integrate their low force adjusting
techniques in an organized protocol of evaluation and
treatment. Throughout a program of chiropractic care for
disc conditions, patients are asked questions regarding
their progress and are often given special stretching
exercises to do at home. They may be given instructions on
home use of ice and/or heat. Evaluation of progress using
neurological and chiropractic tests based on comparison
with the initial findings are vital aspects of the
chiropractic treatment. If a patient is not responding to
the treatments, the chiropractor will usually refer the
patient for imaging studies and/or a spine specialist
consultation.
Dr. Greg c. Molis has been a
Chiropractor
for 26 years. If you're in the West Valley area, come
on in. Your first adjustment is free. To find out more
go to
http://www.westvalleychiropractor.net
|
Tags:
|
|