Spinal Disc Function, Vertebral Subluxations, and Disc Herniations

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

The spine has 24 movable segments called vertebrae. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar vertebrae. There is a fibrous pad in between each vertebrae called a spinal disc (spinal disc anatomy).

The spinal discs have two primary functions...they act as a ligament by holding the spinal vertebrae above, and the one below together. And, they also function as a shock absorber. The intervertebral discs have a gelatinous center called the nucleus pulposus, and a very strong fibrous exterior called the annulus fibrosis.

Spinal Discs are avascular...which means they have no blood vessels that connect directly to them. They exchange nutrients with the bloodstream through a process called imbibition, a pumping action involving spinal motion. This is how they stay hydrated and healthy.

When the vertebra lose their normal alignment...what we call a vertebral subluxation...they can get stuck and are unable to perform the pumping action on the disc, which can lead to abnormal wear and tear, disc degeneration...and even disc herniations.

So, how do these spinal subluxations happen?

      

Well, spills and falls, poor posture, sports injuries, car accidents, poor sleeping positions, stress, and more. Really, just normal things done the wrong way. Heck...you may have got your first subluxation when you were born. It requires 40-60 lbs. of pressure (on the delecate spine and spinal cord) to extract a newborn from the birth canal.

This is why it's so important to have your spine checked periodically by a chiropractor. Most back problems that adults have started when they were very young. It's much easier to work on a child or a teenager than an adult.

The longer a vertebral subluxation is present the more damage it causes...not only to the spinal discs...but to the spinal cord and nerves that are often times interfered with because of disc bulges, disc herniations, spinal degeneration, and stenosis...we call this process: subluxation degeneration.

Sure, there is still hope if you are an adult and suffer from vertebral subluxation or disc herniations...chiropractic care, and even spinal decompression therapy can achieve favorable outcomes in most cases.

Then,  regular chiropractic check-ups can ensure that the spine stays in it's proper alignment after the problem is fixed. It just makes sense to keep your discs healthy by giving them the motion they need...you only have one spine.

If you would like to be checked for vertebral subluxations or disc herniations at our San Francisco Chiropractic Center...simply call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation. Chances are...you will be glad you did.