SLIPPED DISC
95% of back pain is a result of a slipped disc. The spine
consists of 24 bones called vertebrae which sit on top of
one another to form a column. Each vertebra has a cylindrical
body in front with a wishbone-like structure sticking out
behind forming the knobbly bits that can be felt down the
backbone. Cradled within the arms of the wishbone is the spinal
cord which carries nerve messages up and down from the brain
to all parts of the body. In between every vertebra in the
spine is a cushion of jelly (the disc) which acts as a shock
absorber and cushions each and every step. When the disc bulges
backwards it traps the nerve where it leaves the spinal canal
and causes pressure and pain. Once the disc is on the move
what we do with the spine changes what happens to the disc.
Sitting on an easy chair like a banana allows it to bulge
backwards further and cause more pain. See Referred
pain, Back pain, Sciatic nerve.
TREATMENT
Treatment with Connective Tissue Manipulation
and the Mackenzie Exercise
Regime reduces the tension around the spine and changes
the mechanics of the disc helping it to return to the normal
position and resolve the problem.
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