The causes of low back pain are many, but the most common causes are herniated and bulging discs. This situation results when the inner material which has a jelly like consistency begins to break through the weakening outer fibers. As it moves through the outer fibers it can begin to cause pain through chemical irritation secondary to inflammation or through direct pressure on pain sensitive structures. If the discs are not treated the problem can become chronic.
Herniated or bulging discs may be caused by trauma, as well as ongoing movement or repetitive stress. As we age gradual breakdown of the disc fibers can also lead to a herniated or bulging disc. The symptoms of a herniated or bulging disc can vary depending on the location of the damage and the structures involved.
Determining if the symptoms of lower back pain are caused by a herniated or bulging disc may be difficult. Other causes of low back pain must be entertained. If the pain is severe, radiates down the leg and into the feet a herniated or bulging disc is highly suspect.A herniated disc diagnosis is more probable if coughing or sneezing increases the pain. Numbness, weakness and tingling are also very common with herniated or bulging discs. If treatment is not initiated quickly the resultant nerve damage may become chronic.
The most common pain associated with disc problems is lower back pain, but neck pain can also be attributed to herniated or bulging discs. The pain can vary from intense local neck pain all the way to pain into the hands and fingers. Various head positions and movements can also irritate the pain and cause more problems in the neck or arms.
One of the newest technologies available for the treatment of lower back pain due to a bulging or herniated disc is non-surgical spinal decompression. This technology has a computer system that allows negative pressures to be created inside the disc space. This negative pressure draws the herniated or bulging material back into place so that the outer fibers of the disc can mend. This technology has also been indicated in the treatment of degenerative disc disease and facet syndrome.
Spinal decompression has been an emerging technology and recently the DRX9000 has become the leader in delivering this procedure to patients in need. Reduced intradiscal pressures are achieved by utilizing a patented logarithmic curve as the patients spine is gently distracted. To achieve this a series of highly delicate computers continuously monitor the patients spinal muscles in order to adjust the pull to allow for relaxation. Studies done at some of the most prestigious medical schools and institutions are finding promising results in the application of this technology.
Lower back pain secondary to herniated and bulging discs is quite common in the United States and a difficult medical problem to treat. However, with new technology like the DRX9000 Non-surgical spinal decompression system there is now a viable alternative to surgery and other invasive procedures.
Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC, CES-NASM is a chiropractic neurologist and founder of the Arizona Back Institute. He pioneered the use of the DRX9000 In Phoenix Dr. Pruitt was one of the first physicians to offer Spinal Decompression In Arizona
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