Each year, a significant number of individuals may experience herniated spinal discs, with the most common location being the lumbar region. The lower back, being responsible for bearing the heaviest loads, is particularly susceptible to herniation, also referred to as a bulging, ruptured, or slipped disc.
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniated disc and the extent to which it affects movement and surrounding tissue. It's possible to have a herniated disc without experiencing any symptoms, only becoming apparent during diagnostic imaging for other conditions.
When a herniated disc causes pain and mobility issues, it's likely that these symptoms will diminish over time with appropriate treatment. At Chiropractic-Works and Wellness Clinic, we specialize in aiding your recovery through conservative care therapies, as surgery is seldom necessary for herniated discs.
Will my herniated disc heal on its own?
In approximately 90% of cases, symptoms of a herniated disc tend to resolve on their own. However, determining whether a herniated disc fully heals is more challenging.
Spinal discs have the potential to heal, and they can also become asymptomatic without undergoing full healing. If you are free of pain and have restored movement, you may consider yourself healed. Nevertheless, the absence of pain does not always equate to complete healing. Let's delve into the anatomy of spinal discs and what can occur following a herniation.
The jelly donut
The construction of a spinal disc is often likened to that of a jelly donut. It consists of a tough outer ring called the annulus, which surrounds a more viscous center known as the nucleus. A disc herniation takes place when the nucleus either protrudes through a weakened area in the annulus or when the overall shape of the disc undergoes significant distortion.
While the disc itself contains minimal nerve tissue and can cause discomfort, herniation typically leads to symptoms by exerting pressure on nerve roots branching off the spinal cord and extending to the body. Although the vertebrae have spaces for nerves to pass through, distortions of a herniated disc can cause bulging into these spaces, resulting in the compression of nerve tissue.
The body's response
When a herniated disc occurs, the body initiates several responses aimed at promoting healing.
Immune system
At times, the body detects that the nucleus tissue has breached the annulus, triggering an immune system response. The immune system launches an attack by treating the displaced nucleus tissue as a foreign entity, reducing its size and alleviating nerve compression.
Water absorption
Once the nucleus tissue escapes the annulus, it begins to lose its normal moisture level. This loss of moisture leads to a reduction in size, thereby relieving nerve compression and alleviating symptoms.
Disc mechanics
Physical therapy and gentle, low-impact activities can contribute to recovery from herniated disc pain. Your body's natural mechanics can aid in reshaping the herniated disc toward its normal dimensions. Even if only partially successful, this process assists in the effects of the immune system and loss of moisture, pulling disc tissue away from vulnerable nerves.
Frequently, pain management for herniated discs allows sufficient time for these natural healing benefits to take effect. Life continues in the meantime, so if you require assistance in managing the symptoms of a herniated disc, or if you wish to confirm whether this is the cause of your pain, please visit us at Chiropractic-Works and Wellness Clinic.