SOMA Living November 2021

FROM THE DOCTOR

COULD IT BE A SLIPPED DISC?

The reality is the Disc does not slip. The term slipped disc can actually be a bulging disc, a herniated disc or possibly a disc protrusion or prolapsed disc. This information is obtained from the MRI and the interpretation by the radiologist and the ordering doctor. According to statistics, “slipped discs” affect 5-20 people for every 1,000 adults, mostly those between the ages of 30 to 50 years old. In fact, it’s one of the most common conditions that lead people to seek the help of a chiropractor. But what actually is a slipped disc? The term “slipped” disc is a misnomer for what’s happening to your vertebrae when you have this condition--in reality, it’s a herniation of the disc or a type of herniation as described above. There are 23 discs in the spine – 6 in the neck, 12 in the middle of the back, and 5 in the lower back. They are essential to the function of your spine as they help keep it flexible while providing strength, provide shock absorption, and keep your vertebrae from grinding together. However, for a variety of reasons, a crack can occur in the tough outer layer of the disc and allow some of the softer nucleus to protrude out of the disc. This condition is commonly known as a “slipped” disc even though the disc hasn’t slipped at all. Instead, only the small area where the crack in the exterior is located is affected, creating a herniated disc. Back pain, whether from a slipped disc or some other injury, can limit your ability to perform everyday activities. The good news is that most slipped discs can be treated fairly easily. Many seek help from a chiropractor to relieve the pain of a herniated disc. After taking a thorough history and evaluation, your chiropractor will create a treatment plan that could include spinal manipulations, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises such as stretching exercises. At times it is recommended to implement Spinal decompression along with physical therapy and cold laser. The type of care to be administered is based on age; weight; severity of injury; acute or chronic history and the clinical evaluation with appropriate imaging. To learn more about the symptoms and treatment for slipped discs, read our new blog post, “What Really Is a Slipped Disc?”, found at southorangechiropractic. com, then schedule an appointment with your chiropractor to get to the bottom of your back pain.

Meet the Natural Pain Relievers at South Orange Chiropractic Center Moving people from pain to wellness. Dr. Stephen Levine • Dr. Mark Roczey • Dr. Mark Sielski 60 First Street, South Orange, NJ 07079 973-761-0022 Go to SouthOrangeChiropractic.com to download our FREE E-book on Health and Wellness

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

Stephen Levine D.C. South Orange Chiropractic Center SouthOrangeChiropractic.com Phone: 973.761.0022 Email: Docdad230@aol.com

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

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