Disc Conditions

Bulging, Herniated, and Slipped Disc Relief in Charlottesville, VA

If you have been diagnosed with a bulging, herniated or slipped disc, the following information is important for you to understand what your diagnosis means, how these conditions affect your health, what treatment options are available for you, and the pros and cons of these treatment options. First, we discuss the important functions a disc serves and what discs need to stay healthy. Then, you will learn how discs bulge, slip or herniate, how these conditions are treated and that these conditions are progressive and become worse over time if left untreated. Dr. Lynch has been successfully treating disc conditions in Central Virginia without drugs or surgery since 2004, so be sure to watch the three YouTube videos to fully understand your options so you can make your best, informed healthcare decisions for treating your disc condition.

Disc Conditions

Discs

Intervertebral Discs are located in between each of the 24 bones of your spine and they serve three very important functions. They absorb the stress and shock the body incurs during movement of the spine. They also enable movement allowing your spine to twist and bend. Lastly, the discs provide space for nerves to exit the spinal column to form the peripheral (outer) nervous system.

Healthy Discs Depend on Motion

Healthy Discs Depend on Motion

At around 19 years of age the bones of our spines harden (or ossify) which ends the blood supply to the discs. This makes the discs become completely dependent upon a natural pumping mechanism of the spine for water and nutrition. The pumping mechanism keeps spinal discs healthy only when all 24 bones of the spine are moving correctly within their proper range of motion.

You are literally at your tallest when you wake up in the morning. Throughout the day, gravity pulls down on your spine and presses some of the metabolites and water out of your discs into the joint spaces. Then, as you sleep, the weight of the head, shoulders, legs and hips pull the spine apart to allow the water and nutrients back into the discs. So, when you wake up in the morning, you are once again at your tallest. This is how the natural pumping motion maintains healthy discs.

Bulging Discs, Slipped Discs and Herniated Discs are Mechanical Problems

Ligaments connect bone to bone. They connect the bones of the spine and keep the discs in place. Spinal bone misalignments stress ligaments. In time, the stressed ligaments weaken and stretch which allows the disc to slip, bulge, move or herniate. Bulging discs, slipped discs and herniated discs all describe when a disc is out of its correct position. These conditions can also be described as Degenerative Joint Disease and Degenerative Disc Disease. Sometimes bulging, slipped and herniated discs are diagnosed as Osteoarthritis which is a form of wear and tear arthritis.Disc Conditions

When you look at the spine from the side, in good health there are curvatures that make the spine look like a spring. The neck and low back have curves that bend to the front (they should look like a reverse C shape) and the thoracic spine and sacrum bend to the back. These curvatures distribute your body weight evenly over the length of your spine. Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease usually show up in certain segments of the spine that are stressed the most. These conditions are not part of the natural aging process. They are caused by biomechanical problems.

Biomechanical problems occur when the spine stops moving right. When an injury or trauma causes a spinal misalignment, the muscles tighten and guard the misaligned joint. The joint stops moving correctly, the natural pumping mechanism is disrupted and the disc no longer receives the water and metabolites it needs to stay healthy. Then, over time, the disc wears and thins. The most frequent areas for disc problems are between C5 – T1 and L3 – S1.

Typical Medical Interventions

Disc Condition Treatment Options – YouTube

Mechanical Problems need Mechanical Solutions

Dr. Lynch uses an adjusting instrument to restore motion to stuck and misaligned vertebra. The adjusting instrument glides up the spine restoring the curvatures, so it can now evenly distribute the body weight across the spine. Dr. Lynch also uses the instrument to gently bump discs back into their proper positions. There is never any twisting, popping or cracking.

Correcting disc conditions may also require Low Level Laser Therapy (cold laser) to speed healing, percussion therapy to release scar tissue and connective tissue adhesions, therapeutic stretching and strengthening, and more. All treatment is safe and gentle.

Dr. Lynch’s Approach to Fix the Problem

Slipped Disc Relief – YouTube

Symptoms of Disc Conditions
Slipped discs, bulging discs and herniated discs are similar conditions. They all have to do with a disc moving out of its proper position between two vertebra (bones) of the spine. Some people with a disc condition do not experience symptoms for a very long time and the condition has lots of time to degenerate. Then, one day, wow, they are in a lot of pain. Often their pain is in their neck or back. Sometimes their pain is in their arms, legs or knees and not in their back.

Other common symptoms of a disc condition include weakness, instability, numbness, tingling, burning, constant pain, pain that comes and goes (usually in the low back or neck), and/or hot, shooting pain into the arms and legs. Sometimes people with disc conditions notice a stiff neck or lower back. In time, symptoms can increase in intensity.

What causes Disc Conditions, Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease?
Everything from a traumatic birth process, sleeping on your stomach, sporting injuries, poor posture, motor vehicle crashes and trauma can damage and misalign the spine and its proper curvatures.

Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Degenerative Joint Disease and Disc Conditions Describe a Breaking Down Process
These conditions are all the same processes. They are progressive conditions. The longer they are present, the worse they become. However, we can stop further degeneration by gently bumping the disc back in its proper position and restoring motion to the spinal joints. We can’t make the discs grow back but we can protect what you have left. Let’s stop the wear and tear process and arrest the arthritic changes so you can be healthy.

You know these conditions gets worse over time. Call (434) 245-8456. Schedule your consultation. I hope to help you.

Bulging, Herniated, and Slipped Disc Treatment – YouTube

You are literally at your tallest when you wake up in the morning. Throughout the day, gravity pulls down on your spine and presses some of the metabolites and water out of your discs into the joint spaces. Then, as you sleep, the weight of the head, shoulders, legs and hips pull the spine apart to allow the water and nutrients back into the discs. So, when you wake up in the morning, you are once again at your tallest. This is how the natural pumping motion maintains healthy discs.

Carolyn RigsbyCarolyn Rigsby
18:07 08 Nov 22
Dr. Lynch is the best chiropractor I've ever been to. His gentle technique has helped me with my migraines and chronic pain issues more over the past few months than all of the other doctors that I've seen over the years put together! Dr. Lynch and his staff are wonderful!
Dotty BohannonDotty Bohannon
16:55 21 Oct 22
Dr. Lynch and his staff have been great to work with for several years. My vertebrae adjustments are gentle and have allowed me the freedom to continue the activities I love. In addition, he listens to his patients and has a holistic approach to one's health.
Kristy ToftKristy Toft
02:02 18 Oct 22
I cannot say enough about the help I’ve been provided by Dr. Lynch, Terry, and Lisa. I started my journey with them struggling with constant vertigo/vestibular problems, achiness, fatigue, brain fog, sensitivity to light and sound, inflammation, anxiety, back and hip pain…some of these struggles I’ve had for 20+ years. I thought I had to live that way, but sought Dr. Lynch with a small glimmer of hope. Dr. Lynch took the time to thoroughly go over my X-rays and explained the visible issues I had, some dating back 25+ years. From the very first adjustment, I felt immediate relief of symptoms I’d had for so long, I didn’t know how life was without them. I woke up the next day and couldn’t believe that nearly all of my symptoms were completely gone! Dr. Lynch pinpointed some health issues I didn’t know were causing problems and has worked consistently (along with Terry), using a detailed plan of action, to help relieve so many of my symptoms by getting to the root problems. He has even helped me sort out some diet issues that were causing inflammation, to get me to feeling my best! They are kind, listen, never rush me, and I am 100% positive that they actually care and WANT me to feel better (not keep me sick)! I will never view healthcare the same after the type of care and empowering knowledge I’ve received at Lynch Chiropractic. I tell everyone I can about them and highly recommend their practice to everyone who is seeking answers, a truly holistic approach, and the most excellent care.
Jeff NewtonJeff Newton
16:39 11 Jul 22
I was moving son into apartment during move hurt back to point could not walk. I went actually crawled into Dr Lynch's office. He worked me into his schedule that day. He developed a plan to get me walking again. Dr Lynch and staff truly professionals.. if your needing help with back leg pain or any chronic pain. Take my advice go see Dr Keith Lynch. You will not regret it. He will get you fixed up. I am very appreciative for all he did for me. Thank you.
Susan MuseSusan Muse
10:52 16 Jun 22
I have been seeing Dr. Lynch for several months for pain in my shoulder and arm. After an initial consultation, he has seen me routinely ever since then and his treatments have considerably eased my pain. I can move my arm and shoulder without discomfort because of his dedication and gentle care. In addition, he is a great teacher, offering advice on exercise and diet. His staff has taught me various ways to help other chronic conditions. They have much to offer anyone who is interested in moving toward a more holistic lifestyle. I highly recommend Dr. Lynch and his caring staff.
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