Cranbourne Family Chiropractic Blog

LUMBAR DISC INFLAMMATION:
Spinal discs have poor blood supply. They rely on the spinal joint movement to assist circulation.   Circulation is vital for repair and maintenance of the disc.
If the movement is impaired, circulation deteriorates and the disc starts to degenerate and weaken.   This can be likened to a worn car tyre. Over time the tyre looses air, splits and may eventually blow out.
The nerves are also effected. The damaged disc can irritate or even compress the disc.   The nerve has its own circulation which in turn becomes reduced.   The nerve will also degenerate over time.  
This picture will produce a wide array of symptoms as the joint goes thru each stage.   At times you may experience very acute sharp pain; at others the pain may be a dull ache, but your lower limbs may start to feel uncomfortable.     
There maybe times the pain is quite minimal.   This does not necessarily mean the disc is repaired or stable.   If the nerve is damaged it may not register pain.   Please keep this in mind.
Types of discs:
Disc tear:
Small crack or micro-tear of the outer cartilage material called the annulus.
Disc bulge:
The soft jelly-like material in the middle of the disc starts to push to one side causing the disc to swell.
Disc herniation:
This soft jelly-like material ruptures thru the annulus rings and may extend beyond the outer margins of the disc.
Disc Prolapse:
A fragment of disc starts to break away.
Disc Dessication:
The disc looses its fluidity and becomes rough, worn-down and worn-out.
Home care:
It is very important you try and keep as mobile as is possible. This means do not sit or stand too long, ie ~30mins.   Use a hard backed chair with a lumbar support.   Try to lean back a little. Use an ice pack if acute. Get Chiropractic care asap. Inflammation is an irritant to soft tissues and will soon add to further damage.