Another blog post from Ann Arbor chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

Many people know that in between the vertebrae in their spine is something called a disc (officially called an intervertebral disc). Even though most people don't understand the purpose of the disc, many do understand if a disc “goes out of place” it can cause back pain.

What Is An Intervertebral Disc?

There are 23 discs in the human spine. These discs are basically concentric rings of cartilage that have a gelatinous texture. They help cushion the spine during everyday activities. They also play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the opening where the nerve root goes from the spinal cord inside the the spinal column through an opening produced by two vertebrae to the out side of the vertebrae where the nerve root branches forming millions of nerves taking information from the brain to the body so that the brain has control over the body. If a disc decreases in size, bulges or herniates then the opening, where the nerve root goes through the opening between the vertebra, will close somewhat pinching the nerve root potentially causing back pain, pelvis pain, neck pain, headaches and tingling and numbness in the arms legs, hands and feet. At Tannenbaum Chiropractic we regularly treat people with a bulging disc(s).

Bulging Disc

Basically, a bulging disc means that a disc is protruding beyond or over the outer edge of the vertebra. Ninety percent of bulging discs occur in the lumbar region of the spine. Sometimes someone with a bulging disc will not have symptoms. Symptoms of a bulging disc, as mentioned earlier, can be back pain, pelvic pain, neck pain and tingling and numbness into the legs, feet, arms and hands.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors will carefully treat a bulging disc often using chiropractic adjustments and provide specific exercises and stretches. Occasionally, chiropractors will use some sort of traction to treat a bulging disc.

I hope this blog post gives you a better understanding of a disc (intervertebral disc), how it plays a role in your health and how chiropractors treat a bulging disc. If you have any questions about this blog post feel free to contact me at [email protected].