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Disc Problems
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Intervertebral discs are like shock absorbers lying between spinal bones and preventing the bones from rubbing together. A “slipped disc” is a misnomer—the disc cannot slip since it’s knitted into the vertebrae from above and below. The vertebrae actually do the “slipping” at the facet joints and can slowly alter balance and physiology and create abnormal loading and pressure on the discs. Over time, this can create bulging of the discs (herniation) or wearing out of the disc (degenerative disc disease). Chiropractic adjustments restore normal motion to the vertebrae to improve balance to the discs and minimize abnormal loading and wear and tear.
Back surgery is very common with herniated discs but should only be used as a last resort. A 2005 study in the Medical Journal, Spine, found that surgeons were almost always overly optimistic about back surgery outcomes. Nearly 60% of patients whose doctor predicted a ‘great improvement’ reported no improvement in pain or function one year later. The study also found that 80% of all back surgery candidates were told to expect ‘great improvement’.
“Nobody in America should be allowed to have back surgery unless they have seen a chiropractor first.” ---Robert Mendelsohn, M.D.
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