Introduction
Ruptured Disc! Herniated Disc! Extruded Disc! Oh my. You flinch at the sound of these terms because you have experienced the pain or know someone who has. The appropriate term for these types of herniated discs is "non-contained disc."
Description
The non-contained disc may cause pain because its nucleus pulposus (the center of the disc) has escaped through tears in the anulus fibrosus (the outer layers of the disc) and found itself in the spinal canal where it isn't supposed to be. The anulus fibrosus no longer contains the nucleus pulposus.
The non-contained disc irritates the spinal nerves with a chemical reaction or with pressure. Normally, the nucleus pulposus' fluid has never been in the spinal canal, and when it does enter, it causes a chemical reaction around the nerve to cause pain into the pelvis and leg.The nucleus pulposus' fluid chemically irritates the spinal nerves just by its mere presence in the canal, and, if enough of it escapes into the canal, its mass presses on spinal nerves causing pain into the leg.
Non-Contained Disc Herniation Description
Examination
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka follows a careful examination routine to not miss any symptom or sign that points to the correct diagnosis of your thoracic spine pain.
Thoracic Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression. You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need. Cox Technic opens the spinal canal space, increases the disc height, and drops intradiscal pressure to alleviate your pain.
Goal of Cox Technic for Thoracic Spine Pain Relief
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Thoracic Spine Treatment
At Home Care
At home, Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka may recommend hot/cold therapy, exercise or modification of your sleeping or working environment.
Contact Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka for relief of your pain from a thoracic non-contained disc herniation.