Under the three major elements of the spine i.e. disc, vertebrae, and spinal cord, discs play a crucial role in supporting the body. The disc of the spinal column serves shock absorbers between the vertebrae that help the whole body to move in all the directions without any vascular supply.
Spine-health should not be neglected in any term. If neglected, then everyday life will become a struggle such as having herniated discs.
But, if you have a herniated disc, a Chiropractic Flexion-Distraction Technique can an ideal treatment for it.
What is a herniated disc?
A spinal structure has the nucleus encased in the annulus. When this annulus tears and the nucleus slips out of the case, then this condition is named as a herniated disc.
It is an injury of the vertebrae connective tissue i.e. disc, resulting in severe pain and discomfort in the different parts of the body and physical disability. The ruptured disc can irritate nearby nerve affecting the functions of the spine column i.e. Support, stability, movement, shock, absorption, and neurological Integrity.
The bones of the spine are cushioned by the round and small pillow-like structures called discs, covered by the annulus. When these cushions get problems in function then we call it a herniated disc.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of herniated disc depend upon the location of the affected disc and the pressure which the disc is experiencing. The most common symptoms of a herniated disc are;
- Unrelenting low back or leg pain: The regions served by nerve roots i.e. lower back including buttocks and thighs can experience severe pain causing the less movement in the body.
- Severe arm or neck pain: If the herniated disc in the neck region, then your arm and neck can experience the discomfort and severe pain making your neck movements restricted.
- Sensory changes: Numbness or tingling is the most common symptom that is served by the affected nerves. Muscular weakness is the cause of sensory changes.
- Weakness: The ability to lift weight can be decreased as a result of weakened muscles. The affected nerves are responsible for this weakness.
Sometimes, the symptoms can’t be in the knowledge unless you see it through the spinal image.
How can the Chiropractic Flexion-Distraction Technique treat the Lumbar Disc Herniation?
Lumbar disc herniation is treated by the chiropractic flexion-distraction technique that is very gentle and non-forced. This non-invasive technique decreases the disc pressures between vertebrae bodies to increase the functionality and mobility of the spine. The Flexion-Distraction is a non-force and safe procedure treating the compressed or injured spinal nerves relieving the pain and discomfort. The ruptured or bulged disc patients undergo the treatment taking the pressures off the spinal nerves without increasing pain and discomfort. The repetitive movements and pressure points are usually slow to relax the affected area allowing it to function normally.
Among its clinical benefits are:
- Relieve stiffness
- Improve posture
- Reduce herniation disc pressure on the spinal nerves
- Decreases headaches and neck pain
- Improves mobility and functionality
- Decreases the sensory changes
- Facilitates blood flow
- Reduces sciatic symptoms
- Good disc health
Researches showing the effectiveness of Flexion-Distraction
A randomized clinical trial and subgroup analysis to compare flexion-distraction with active exercise for chronic low back pain
European Spine Journal, 2006
To treat lower back pain, cox flexion-distraction is used by chiropractors. There’s a table on which the patient lies down. That table is specially designed for this purpose equipped with stationery thoracic support and moveable caudal support. Then the DC starts treating the lumbar spine by applying forces over the posterior lumbar spine and creates traction effects by pressing down on the moving leg support. The real-time feedback noted is the measurable forces applied by DCs improved the function of the spine and patients had significantly greater relief of pain.
The Effects of Manual Therapy Using Joint Mobilization and Flexion-distraction Techniques on Chronic Low Back Pain and Disc Heights
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2014
This study deals with the 31 patients suffering from chronic low back pain that went through the joint mobilization and flexion-distraction therapy for 6 weeks, implemented 3 times per week. The VAS used in the measuring process, showed the disc heights picture analyzing and low back pain scores of patients to know which therapy is effective more. A significant decrease in the measured results of low back pain was shown and that for disc heights, a significant increase was seen. These results show that these therapies are effective for the treatment.
How is Flexion-Distraction Performed?
The spine problems are caused by the maintained bad postures and lack of exercise making the curves of the spine distracted. To treat this, patients should undergo a chiropractic Flexion-Distraction technique. Flexion-Distraction is a chiropractic treatment performed on the uniquely designed automatic table that is equipped with moveable supports used to distract and flex the spine in the gentle and rhythmic motion. The chiropractic doctor uses some manual techniques to make spinal joints move freely without any restriction. Without quick moves and noises, the following things are taken into consideration to process the treatment.
Positioning the patient on a chiropractic designed table or known as the Leander Table.
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Before treatment, the table needs to be set-up.
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The pelvic joints restrictions should be measured through palpate and assess that is essential to notice the part of the joint that needs treatment.
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Apply the pressure generally on the lower back muscles to warm up the patient.
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Stretch and decompress the upper body using the side lever function of the table.
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When the patient is under flexion-distraction, manipulate the pelvis manually. In short, bring the ischial tuberosity contact.
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The whole treatment is the combined result of the movement of the table through its side lever.
Conditions that may benefit from Flexion-Distraction Technique :
During some activities, our bad sitting postures can cause the spine structure to get ruptured which results in degenerative disc disease. Additionally, decreased muscle strength and lack of exercise can cause several conditions causing the person to feel discomfort. The Flexion-Distraction therapy helps manage the following enlisted conditions;
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (narrowed spinal canal)
- Lower back stiffness
- Failed back surgical syndrome
- Spain/strain
- Scoliosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Lumbar disc injuries (slipped or ruptured disc)
- General lower back stiffness
- Sacroiliac syndrome
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae due to the stress) - Leg pain or sciatica pain
Is Flexion-Distraction Technique Painful?
Flexion-Distraction therapy is not painful. The non-force and gentle-natured therapy are acted upon the patients suffering from the herniated discs and recovering this severe condition. This treatment doesn’t act as additional pain or discomfort to the patient’s condition. This therapy treats the decompression by making the process relaxing and pleasant, as reported by the patients.
Looking for a skilled and reliable Chiropractor in Surrey and Coquitlam Area?
We are here to help. Evergreen Rehab and Wellness can confidently say that we have the best Chiropractors in Coquitlam and Surrey. They strive to provide real and ideal results. So, if you are looking for a reliable Chiropractor, we are here to help you.
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