The spine is a complex network of bone, muscle, nerve, and other tissues. Due to its complexity, the spine and back demand attention from health care professionals, including chiropractic care providers, when injured or damaged. Spinal disks, when damaged or aging, can cause pronounced discomfort. Discover more about them and when they may need professional care from this guide.

What Are Spinal Disks?

Spinal disks are anatomical structures situated between the bones of the spinal column, or vertebrae. They have a jellylike center, called the nucleus, as well as a tougher, rubbery exterior, known as the annulus. One of their main functions is to absorb shock between vertebrae. They also hold vertebrae together as do ligaments. Because of their cartilaginous properties—that is, their elasticity—spinal disks also allow for some degree of mobility.

Common Disk Issues & Treatments

When their inner material swells and protrudes through their outer membrane, disks are described as herniated. It’s also possible for an entire disk to bulge. Herniated disks press on the spinal cord or its surrounding nerves. As a result, patients may experience significant pain as well as radiating discomfort in their extremities. Injuries from automobile accidents and age may cause herniated disks.

Degenerative disk disease results when disks lose their moisture. Stiffness inhibits the ability of disks to adjust when compressed. The loss of moisture is a normal part of the aging process. In certain individuals, however, disks may prematurely age, resulting in pain and reduced mobility.

Chiropractic care can benefit patients with disk issues by easing disk degeneration, improving spinal mobility, and minimizing painful inflammation. Chiropractic clinics also use spinal manipulation and therapeutic exercises to address herniated disks and their symptoms.

If you’re experiencing back pain or a disk problem, turn to Walch Chiropractic Center for comprehensive chiropractic care. Serving Leeds, AL, and the Tri-State area, including Birmingham, Dr. Alan C. Walch and his team have more than 25 years of experience providing patient-focused chiropractic treatments. Find out more about their approach to chiropractic care online, or call (205) 699-4433 to schedule an appointment.