Disc Pain Care in Utah

serving Midvale, Sandy, Murray and Salt Lake

by Dr. John Ratliff 

Utah residents should be aware that frequently back pain arises from the intervertebral  disc which is the cartilagenous pad that sits between the vertebrae of your spine. Damage to the disc from the forces of gravity as we lift, bend, twist, sit, or perform many other seemingly mundane activities can occur gradually or quickly. Traumatic injury can also cause tearing of disc fibers or even herniation of the nucleus of the disc. In summary there are numerous types of events that can lead to disc pain.

Abnormal spinal posture can be the sole cause of disc complaints or it can be a major factor leading up to a problem. If for example you have forward head posture where the ear is in front of the shoulder, looking at your profile ( from the side), then the normal lordotic curve of the neck will be altered resulting in increased stress on discs, nerves , and joints. Eventually, the out come can be disc degeneration, pinched nerves, disc herniation, or arthritis.

Once you start to notice pain in the neck, upper back, or low back consider it a warning sign like having tooth pain. Instead of going to the dentist however, you should get yourself into  a doctor of chiropractic. The chiropractor is much more suited and trained to deal with musculo-skeletal conditions than general medical doctors. According to a recent study in the December 2010 edition of The Spine Journal,one of the most frequently cited spine research journals in the world, acute low back pain patients demonstrated significantly greater improvement with chiropractic than with usual medical care and physical therapy. One of the most stunning findings from the study after 16 weeks, "78% of patients given narcotic pain meds were still taking them daily or as prescribed by their MDs. 

Natural, safe chiropractic care was hands down the clear winner. If your serious about getting good results without the dangers of anti-inflamatory or pain medications, then you should consider the natural solution.

For Utah patients who come to Cottonwood Chiropractic the treatment is tailored to meet the needs of the patient. It may involve simple adjustments or a regimen of traction, adjustments, mirror image exercise, and massage. It's always your choice.