What is an intervertebral disc?

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The intervertebral disc is a soft tissue composed of layers of fibrous rings between the vertebrae, surrounding the central nucleus pulposus. Its material is similar to a water cushion. Its function is to maintain a certain distance between bones, bear the pressure between the upper and lower spines, and reduce the shock damage caused to the body when we exercise.

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What is a herniated disc?

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As we age and are under long-term physical pressure, the nucleus pulposus will begin to dehydrate and deteriorate, and its shock absorption capacity will also decrease. Intervertebral disc herniation is caused by the outer layer of fibers surrounding the nucleus pulposus being worn out or ruptured, allowing space for the nucleus pulposus to flow out and compress the nearby spinal nerves. The symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation in different parts of the spine will also be different.

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The main symptoms of a herniated disc:

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The main symptom of cervical disc herniation is neck pain accompanied by pain and numbness in the upper limbs, but modern medical research shows that cervical spondylosis can also cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tinnitus, swollen eyes, chest tightness and shortness of breath, and weakness in the limbs.

The main symptoms of lumbar disc herniation are low back pain, sciatica (even tingling), lower limb numbness and radiating pain. Severe cases may lead to muscle atrophy, lumbar spine deformity, limp, urinary and bowel incontinence or incontinence.

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There are four main things to do to treat a herniated disc:

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1. Return the protruding or herniated nucleus pulposus to its original position

An effective method is to use a special intervertebral disc decompression bed to provide reduction exercise therapy for the spine and intervertebral disc. When the patient is undergoing treatment, the decompression bed will continue to gently stretch and flex downward (Traction & Flexion). This action helps to increase the distance between the vertebrae, allowing the intervertebral disc to form a vacuum state of negative pressure, thereby producing a sucking effect, sucking back the outflowing intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus and returning it to its original position, while replenishing the water in the intervertebral disc and promoting blood supply to the intervertebral disc, thereby accelerating the repair process. This exercise therapy is specially designed for patients with intervertebral disc herniation. Each treatment involves 30-40 repetitions of flexion and extension. After about 12 treatments in a month, the discomfort can be reduced by half. Thereafter, treatments can be halved to 6 times a month, and so on.

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2. Use shock waves to eliminate inflammation between the periosteum and stimulate the affected area to repair itself

The leaked or protruding nucleus pulposus will affect the body's autoimmune system to attack the affected area, causing inflammation and pain. Therefore, shock wave therapy is necessary to reduce inflammation and relieve pain at the site of the protruding disc. Another effect of shock wave therapy is that it can stimulate cell regeneration and speed up the repair of the affected area.

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3. Use manual therapy to restore the spine and joints to their original position

Manual therapy is used to restore the spine and joints to their original positions, so that the body's bones are in place, ensuring that they are evenly aligned and the force is balanced, so that the affected area is free from unnecessary pressure and can be repaired.

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4. Repair the damaged outer fiber tissue

The intervertebral discs in the human body are made of collagen. To effectively repair the damaged fibrous tissue surrounding the nucleus pulposus, sufficient collagen must be replenished. Currently, there are various instant collagen preparations on the market. For busy urbanites who do not have time to cook delicious food, instant preparations are a very convenient choice.