Herniations vs Spinal Misalignments

 

Is a herniated disc the same thing as a spinal misalignment?

You can ask any Oviedo chiropractor, and they will all tell you that a herniated disc is not the same thing as a spinal misalignment. To better understand the difference between a herniation and a spinal misalignment, we must first ask the following questions:

 

What is a spinal misalignment?

Vertebrae are oval shaped bones that line up on top of one another to form the spinal column. The spinal column contains 33 vertebrae that run from the base of the skull all the way down to the tail bone. These bones make up the structural system for the muscles to attach. Because they are individual segments they provide flexibility to the spine, allowing you to move and twist from side to side. Because they are made of bone, they also protect the spinal cord by absorbing any shock or impact on the spine. Sometimes the vertebrae can shift out of proper alignment. When this occurs, it is called a “subluxation or spinal misalignment.”

 

What causes a misalignment?

There are multiple reasons for spinal misalignments. Some common causes are:

• Auto, motorcycle, boat or bike accident **  
• Sports injuries 
• Slip or fall
• Poor posture and/or Incorrect ergonomics 
• Sleep position 
• Stress 

 

**Auto accident? You only have 14 days….

With over 25 years of providing exceptional chiropractic care in Oviedo, FL Dr. Ressler has helped hundreds of patients heal from many types of injuries. Most of the time patients that are seen in his Oviedo chiropractic office have spinal misalignments due to some type of auto accident. Are you familiar with the Florida PIP law? If you or a loved one have been in an auto or motorcycle accident you only have 14 days to be evaluated. Unless your injuries are life threatening you do not need to go to the E.R. You only have limited medical coverage related to your auto accident.  One visit to the ER would use up all your coverage due to the extreme prices the E.R charges for basic services. With no benefits left you are unable to get the care you need like physical therapy, MRI studies, chiropractic care to assist in recovery of your injuries.  In fact, if you live in the Oviedo, Winter Springs, or Orlando area you can receive your evaluation from a general doctor or a local Oviedo chiropractor. The important thing to remember is the 14-day rule. If you aren’t evaluated within 14 days of the accident you will lose all your medical benefits for the care you need. Don’t wait until it’s too late! For more information on FL PIP law, and how Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center can help you recover from your injuries, click here.

 

What are symptoms of a spinal misalignment?

When a vertebra is not in the correct position or proper alignment it puts pressure on the nerve endings in the spinal column. This produces inflammation which irritates the nerve. Once the nerve has become irritated some common symptoms are:

• Pain in the neck, back or extremities 
• Inflammation
• Headaches 
• Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs
• Limited or loss of range of motion

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is when discs in the spine become damaged and the gel-like material inside starts to push out and sometimes can leak out. Herniations usually occur in the neck and lower back but can affect any disc in the spine. Spinal discs act as natural cushioning and allow the spine to bend and flex. They hold enough space open for the nerves to exit off the spine and travel to different parts of the body. When injured, these discs can protrude out narrowing the holes the nerves are located in, causing irritation to the nerve endings. Dr. Ressler tells the patients in his chiropractic Oviedo office to “imagine that your discs are like a jelly donut. There is soft pulpous material located inside each disc like the jelly inside the donut. When there is trauma or an injury, the pulpous material or “jelly like substance” gets pushed out and rubs against the nerves. This protrusion is what produces the pain and inflammation.” Trauma or some types of injury are usually the main cause of a herniated disc, but not the only one. Aging and disc degeneration can also produce a herniation.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location. Common symptoms of a herniated disc are:

• Neck and/or lower back pain
• Intense shooting pain in thighs, calves, or buttocks
• Numbness and tingling sensation in the arms
• Shooting pain in the arm, hands, and shoulder (if located in the neck area.)
• Numbness and tingling sensation in the legs
• Pain in the feet
• Pain that may intensify when you sneeze, cough or bend

Treatment for herniations and spinal misalignments

 

Even though herniations and spinal misalignments are different, the best all-natural treatment option for the two is the same. Chiropractic adjustments are a quick, and all-natural procedure that effectively treat herniations and spinal misalignments. Chiropractic adjustments correct the misaligned vertebrae and restore normal function/motion back which will take the pressure off the herniated disc. Once the vertebrae or disc has been returned to proper alignment, the pressure is removed and the irritation to the nerve will go away. This is why chiropractic adjustments are one of the best natural treatment options available for pain relief. There are new more gentle techniques that do not rely on twisting and forceful thrust like you see on YouTube. Dr. Ressler uses an adjusting instrument called the "activator". The activator is a spring-loaded instrument that corrects the specific joint out of alignment. By delivering a soft impulse into the misalignment the activator gently moves it back into the proper position. This makes the activator method extremely precise as it does not involve any forceful cracking or twisting. This technique is highly effective and provides quick results without further aggravating the injury.

In addition to Dr. Ressler’s highly effective chiropractic technique, our Oviedo chiropractic office also incorporates physical therapy treatment. This will strengthen the muscles around the injured regions. This will prevent exacerbation and future problems.

Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center is a full service holistic medical clinic offering the most innovative chiropractic techniques. We have flexible hours and same day appointments available! Why wait when you can get adjusted today!

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Click here or call 407-977-5005 to schedule your appointment today!

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