Herniated Disc
Conditions and Responses Home
The
backbone, or spine, is composed of a series of connected bones called
"vertebrae." The vertebrae surround the spinal cord and protect it from
damage. Nerves branch off the spinal cord and travel to the rest of the
body, allowing for communication between the brain and the body. The
brain can send a message down the spinal cord and out through the nerves
to make the muscles move. The nerves also send information such as pain
and temperature from the body back to the brain.
The vertebrae are connected by a disc and two small joints called "facet" joints. The disc, which is made up of strong connective tissues which hold one vertebra to the next, acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the vertebrae.
The disc and facet joints allow for movements of the vertebrae and
therefore let you bend and rotate your neck and back.
The disc is made of a tough outer layer called the "annulus fibrosis" and a
gel-like centre called the "nucleus pulpous." As you get older, the
centre
of the disc may start to lose water content, making the disc less effective
as a cushion. As a disc deteriorates, the outer layer can also tear. This
can allow displacement of the disc's centre (called a herniated or ruptured
disc) through a crack in the outer layer, into the space occupied by the
nerves and spinal cord. The herniated disc can then press on the nerves and
cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the shoulders or arms. Your
doctor may test for changes in the reflexes, sensation and strength in your
arms caused by the herniated cervical disc. Rarely, the herniated disc may
put pressure on the spinal cord, causing problems in the legs as well.
Bowen therapy and Herniated Discs
Bowen Therapy offers gentle treatment for the relief of a herniated disc. Often the pelvis will
misalign,
either through an accident, say car crash, falling over, sporting injury or just
lifting and twisting awkwardly.
The misalignment then stress the spine. The Bowen Technique will utilise its holistic approach and general muscle
relaxing qualities, as well as specifically for pelvic realignment and muscle release over the back area.
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