Spine Conditions Explained By Our Portland and Beaverton Chiropractor
There are many reasons why people in the Portland and Beaverton areas decide to visit a chiropractor. In most cases, these are related to some sort of spinal injuries. These injuries occur for many different reasons. Some happen because of the natural wear and tear of life and due to conditions such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. Others happen because of an accident or sports injury such as slipped or herniated discs. At TWC (The Wellness Center) in Portland and Beaverton, OR we are committed to treating all these spinal conditions, regardless of their origin and work closely with our patients to help them heal naturally without drugs or surgery using chiropractic and related methods that work best for them. Here's some more information about common conditions, and how TWC can help.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are known by several different names, including slipped discs or bulging discs. Patients most commonly refer to them as painful.
Spinal discs are disc-shaped cushions that are aligned across the spine. They are made up of a hard exterior and a softer interior, when the soft part finds its way to the wrong side of that hard exterior, it irritates nerves and causes pain and/or numbness. This is called a herniation. With a herniation pain, numbness, or general weakness may be felt in the arms, legs, lower back or buttocks. Often these feelings start in one area and move down the spine. They can be caused by overexertion, such as a poor lifting technique of a heavy object, an accident such as a fall, or by degenerative disc disease.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease happens when the discs in the spine begin to break down as part of the aging process or wear or tear on the body. Since the main function of spinal discs is to act as a shock absorber for your bones, and provide flexibility in the back. This disease happens for a number of reasons including
- Drying of discs - spinal discs are made mostly of water, and they lose water and thin out with age.
- Cracking - due to minor injuries and everyday movements that cause tears in the outer layer.
Those who experience pain in their lower back, buttocks or upper thighs, that is aggravated by sitting or bending, and feels better with walking or other movements may be suffering from degenerative disc disease.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that results in pain in the joints. A spinal adjustment performed by a chiropractor at TWC can relieve the pressure of nerves, muscles, and joints and temporarily decrease pain reducing the need for excess medication. Depending on a patient's individual symptoms, we may also be able to offer exercise suggestions that may reduce symptoms further.
Schedule an Appointment with our Portland and Beaverton Chiropractor
If you live in the Portland or Beaverton areas and are experiencing any of these spinal conditions, or need help dealing with pain in general, there is a good chance that The Wellness Center can help. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment contact our Portland location at at 503-389-6962 or our location in Beaverton, OR at 503-389-5545.
