Las Vegas Chiropractor Alleviates Slipped Disc Pain Safely

Slipped discs (also known as herniated or bulging discs) are one of the most common problems seen by chiropractors. Many sufferers experience numbness, weakness and/or a tingling sensation, some however suffer significant pain. A Henderson NV chiropractor can offer a number of natural, drug-free ways to alleviate disc pain and help patients that are unable to find relief through conventional heath care.

Although disc issues can occur in any part of the spine, they most often arise in the upper or power parts. The discs cushion the vertebrae and are made up of a soft center contained in a tough outer shell. When the outer shell becomes torn (usually through trauma) the disc's soft center can bulge outwards and press upon the spinal nerves and produce the aforementioned symptoms.

Fortunately, chiropractors have a good number of effective ways to deal with these issues. The exact intervention given will be tailored to each patient and his or her specific problem. For straightforward pain relief, heat applications (from an infra-red or ultrasound device or heat wrap) can provide excellent results.

Heat penetrates deeply into tissues, relaxing them and enhancing blood flow. This can often provide tremendous relief for those in pain. Heat also enhances healing as the increased blood flow supplies more oxygen to injured areas.

Moving beyond pain management towards long-term healing, a chiropractor will usually look at performing spinal manipulation. This is a way of re-establishing the spine's natural alignment by pushing any displaced vertebrae back into position. When the spine's shape has been re-established, unnatural stresses are released, pain is reduced and healing can take place.

Also, when the vertebrae are properly aligned, discs that are damaged are pulled back into place. This pulls them away from the spine's nerves and facilitates their healing. Depending on the individual, this may take anything from a few weeks to over a year.