Back pain continues to be one of the main issues for people who seek chiropractic care. Herniated discs in particular are one of the leading causes of back pain for many Americans. Laguna Hills chiropractic care offers patients a drug-free alternative for this painful and debilitating condition.

There is some confusion regarding terminology so it's worth clarifying the difference between a herniated disc (also known as a bulging disc) and a ruptured disc. Herniation occurs when the soft nucleus of the disc sticks out through its fibrous outer casing (known as the annulus). This condition is the less problematic of the two and is easier to alleviate.

A disc is deemed ruptured when the nucleus makes a more complete break through its outer casing. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and presents a more severe medical problem. Either way, it's the pressure placed on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots or sciatic nerve that are the cause of the pain.

When it comes to caring for patients with this malady, chiropractors have plenty of options at their disposal. First however, a full examination of the patient needs to be made. This will consist of checking (among other things) the patient's reflexes, posture, sensations (ability to feel in various parts of the body) and muscle strength.

An MRI scan or X-rays may also be ordered if the practitioner feels they need more detailed information. Once the examination has been made, a course of care will be decided upon. Likely included will be some spinal manipulation since this aims to correct any misalignment and thus release pressure on the discs and nerves.

Adjustments may also be made to the pelvis and neck, and specific muscle groups may be stretched and/or massaged. Spinal decompression is another technique that can prove extremely beneficial. It involves gently extending the spine using a motorized device or a traction table, and by easing pressure on the discs, it can significantly alleviate pain.