Define: spinal instability

Spinal instability is a non-medical term that describes a particular condition involving the vertebrae: essentially abnormal movement between the vertebrae. As a disc loses strength over time, whether due to lack of attention, injury or even age, the disc can become compromised and begin to bulge. As the material in the middle bulges out, the disc loses height which is important for maintaining the turgor that keeps the spine stable. What happens from here?

Effects of spinal instability

Besides the pain that is inherent in a situation that involves a bulging disc, here are other common occurrences. 

• The corresponding facet joints can move out of place and bone spurs begin to form, a condition known as facet joint syndrome. Often people will experience a stabbing pain when the bone spur begins to affect the nerve. 
• The vertebrae are sliding forward and back and rotating as they are not supposed to; this puts pressure on nerves and causes painful muscle spasms. 
• Depending on the location of the instability, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve leading to pain in the buttocks and legs. 

Addressing spinal instability in Hackensack

Chiropractic is an effective modality for helping ease the pain associated with lumbar instability. We use targeted chiropratic adjustments to alleviate nerve compression and focus on developing the muscles around the injurious region to lend stability where it is deficient. Trigger point therapy and myofascial release is useful for alleviating pain in the soft tissues. We offer treatments such as spinal decompression and mobilization that treat pain and improve circulation to the affected vertebral disc, helping to rehydrate and repair the injurious region.