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Bulging Disc Treatment in Bradenton

Discs are very complex and can easily cause low back pain and leg pain with a variety of other symptoms such as tingling, numbness and weakness. Let’s discuss the anatomy of the disc so you can then understand why VAX-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) and Cox Distraction make so much sense.

The outside wall of each disc is called the "annulus." It is made up of cartilage similar to the cartilage in your nose or your ear. Inside of the outer cartilage is the nucleus pulposus, which is made up of a soft, jell-like substance. Picture a jelly donut with the jelly being the nucleus and the dough portion being the outer cartilage. What happens if you hold the donut in the palm of your hand and squeeze it with your other hand? The jelly oozes out through the dough, right?

Well the same thing occurs within the spinal disc. The outer portion of the disc can tear, usually as a result of one major trauma or a number of little injuries over the years. This allows the cartilage to push out which is called a bulging disc. The portion of the annulus that pushes outwards can press on the spinal nerve which is just behind the disc. This can cause a great deal of low back pain and/or pain radiating down the legs. If occurring in the neck, it can cause neck pain as well as radiating pain into the arms and hands.

Cox Distraction is a method of taking the pressure off of the discs and nerves and allowing for relief of pain and normal function. This procedure works in the neck (cervical region) as well as the lower back (lumbar region). It is excellent for relief of neck pain, lower back pain and sciatica. For the more difficult lumbar disc problems, VAX-D is very successful at relieving the lower back pain and leg pain and restoring a more normal way of life.