Your spine – in the simplest terms – is a stack of bones or vertebrae. Between each vertebra (with the exception of the first two) is an intervertebral disc.
These intervertebral discs consist of a tough outer layer (the annulus fibrosis) and a soft, gelatin-like centre (the nucleus pulposus). Your spine would not be able to function without these discs. They serve as shock absorbers and distributors between the bony vertebrae, and provide the flexibility your spine needs for you to be able to move, bend and jump!
When there is too much stress on an intervertebral disc due to poor posture, excess body weight or physical injury, cracks may occur in the outer layer. When these cracks occur, the soft gelatin-like centre can begin to push out or herniate, causing the condition that is commonly referred to a “slipped disc”. So, intervertebral discs don’t actually “slip” but rupture or herniate.
For many people with a herniated disc, the problem starts off small and then gradually builds until you start to feel symptoms, such as back pain.
Chiropractic care can help address back pain and other herniated disc symptoms. Even if you only have lower back pain, your chiropractor wants to see how well your spine is functioning overall: it’s important to remember that what happens in one area of your spine can influence other parts of your spine and/or body.
If you have any questions about the health or alignment of your spine or that of your loved ones, Dr. Erin McLaughlin and Dr. Pierre Paradis are here to help. If you live or work in Kanata and the surrounding area, contact us today or give us a call at (613) 831-9665.