One of the more common causes of back pain is a bulging (herniated) disc that puts pressure on a nearby spinal nerve. Discs are the shock-absorbing rings of fibrous tissue that lie between the bones of the back. By exerting pressure on the discs through bending, twisting, standing or sitting, we set ourselves up for the potential for back pain. The least possible strain is placed on our backs when we lie down flat on our backs. By simply standing up, we exert three times as much pressure on our discs as when we are lying down. Sitting exerts even more pressure (four times the pressure of lying flat). Correctly lifting a box of medium weight exerts five times the pressure of lying down, while lifting with incorrect technique increases disc pressure to ten times that of lying down.

A high percentage of disc cases lend themselves to effective correction through a program of chiropractic care. At CHIROPLUS HEALTHCARE, we can apply chiropractic techniques to help reduce the stress and pressure of spinal discs. This further alleviates the pain and lessens the possibility of more serious conditions, hospitalization, or spinal surgery. We're located at 24 Lake Street. Call 384-4335 for an appointment.

P.S. Because the discs can take a good deal of abuse, we may assume that a lack of pain gives us little reason for concern.