Disc Herniation, What is it and what can help?
A disc herniation is a condition in which the gel-like centre of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the disc’s outer layer. It is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area by putting pressure on nearby nerves. Disc herniations can occur in the neck, thoracic (middle back), or lumbar (low back) regions of the spine. Medication, chiropractic, and, in some cases, surgery are all options for treatment.
What does it look like, and can a model show herniation and resorption?
Several models of disc herniation have been proposed by researchers. The concentric ring model proposes that a herniated disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc, known as the annulus fibrosus, weakens, allowing the inner portion of the disc, known as the nucleus pulposus, to bulge or herniate out of its normal position. The fact that most disc herniations occur at the outer layers of the disc, where the annulus fibrosus is weakest, lends support to this model.
Flexion distraction is a type of chiropractic technique that Dr. Jerome Fryer uses to treat spinal conditions, including disc herniations. This technique involves gently stretching and mobilizing the spine using a specialized table that allows the practitioner to apply controlled forces to the affected area. The goal of flexion distraction is to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, reduce inflammation, and improve spinal mobility. Some studies have suggested that this technique can effectively treat certain types of disc herniations and other spinal conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand this technique’s effectiveness, but a recently published paper showed that it looks to be related to lowering intradiscal pressure.
