Asheville Chiropractor Treats Degenerative Disc Disease
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
Disc degeneration is a medical condition that is often labeled a disease. "Disc deterioration occurs when one or more discs become dehydrated and begins to deteriorate. This happens because of poor diet, not getting enough exercise or improper exercise or trauma. It also occurs naturally as a part of aging," says Dr. David Nygaard, founder of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, NC.
Cervical Discs
The discs are small, jelly-like pads made of cartilage contained in layers of fibrous tissue. These discs connect the bones of the spinal column acting to hold the proper space between the bones and also acting as shock absorbers. When healthy, the discs allow for a normal range of motion.
Cervical discs have a relatively low blood supply and therefore require surrounding joints to function properly to circulate fluids into and out of the disc to supply nutrients and expel waste. When the joints in the spine are not able to move normally, circulation is impaired and degeneration occurs.
Disc Degeneration can lead to other problems as degenerated discs become fragile and are more susceptible to tears in the outer fibers of the disc that keep its' shape. This can lead to serious conditions such as osteoarthritis and stenosis. It can also cause what is often referred to as slipped discs more properly known as disc bulging and herniation.
Spinal Decompression Treats Disc Degeneration
Subluxations, or misalignments in the spinal column, are one of the most common causes of pain in the neck and back. When vertebrae are not in their proper alignment, they put pressure on nerves in the spine causing irritation, inflammation and pain.
Many spine experts conclude that the vacuum of negative pressure created within the disc by non-surgical spinal decompression helps the disc to attract moisture from surrounding tissue, rehydrating and revitalizing thinning and torn degenerated discs. Stretching and massage may provide temporary relief from pain, but without addressing the cause of the problem, the pain will return.
"When you stop growing after puberty the discs become avascular, meaning they no longer receive a good supply of blood," explains Dr. Nygaard. "This means that they no longer heal as well or as quickly. Therefore, if a disc becomes compromised or injured it will continue to deteriorate without treatment."
Spinal decompression is used to create negative pressure in the spine. By stretching the spine, the space between discs is enlarged. This releases pressure on the discs and surrounding nerves allowing them to heal and receive vital fluids.
"One of the most amazing things about spinal decompression is that the negative pressure can create a vacuum effect that will actually suck bulging or herniated discs back inside their fibrous shell," adds Dr. Nygaard. "Decompression is the most effective form of treatment for severe cases of degeneration, herniation, stenosis and pressure on the nerves of the spine."
Clinical Study Proves Benefits of Spinal Decompression
A clinical study performed by the Orthopedic Technological Review in 2004 states that 86 percent of patients who were treated with spinal decompression experienced pain relief after treatment. Once the bones of the spine are in their proper position and nerves are allowed space to work properly, the discs can begin to heal as they receive nutrients. The treatment also stimulates cell regeneration in the cartilage of the discs speeding the healing process further.
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