All clients with disc conditions can be treated by MT's. A so-called leaking disc may mean that the central nucleus pulposus may be irritating a nerve root or the dura mater. As stated, a disc does not contain CSF. A diagnosis does not equal reality. Many similar terms are tossed about to describe disc problems.
Bodywork: The main problem with massage comes about when we relax splinting muscles "too much" and they respond by splinting (spasming) to a greater degree. The cervical region tends to be more highly reflexive than other regions.
It is smart to make your first treatment relatively light and observe the response.
Keep in mind that we cannot affect the disc structure or the herniation. Alwyas place client in position of most comfort and you will be fine.
some general info-
Intervertebral Discs have 2 parts:
1)Annulus fibrosus: Discs are designed like a radial car tire. The outer ring, called the annulus fibrous, has criss-crossing fibrous bands, much like a tire tread. These bands attach between the bodies of each vertebra and contain the gel-filled center called the nucleus pulposus, much like a tire tube.
2) Nucleus pulposus Discs function like coiled springs. The criss-crossing fibers of the annulus pull the vertebral bodies together against the elastic resistance of the gel-filled nucleus. The nucleus acts like ball-bearing when you move allowing the vertebral bodies to roll over the incompressible gel.ยท The gel-filled nucleus is mostly composed of fluid, which is absorbed during the night as you lie down and is pushed out during the day as you walk, bend, and sit.Herniated and Bulging Discs In lay terms, a slipped disc can mean a ruptured disc or herniated disc (her-knee-ate-ed).
Although the term slipped disc is used, discs do not slip. Each intervertebral disc is fused to the adjacent vertebrae and supported by a system of ligaments that help hold the spinal package together.
There are many different terms to describe spinal disc pathology, and all are used differently by different health care practitioners.
Some examples of terms used to describe spinal disc abnormalities include:ยท
Herniated disc (or herniated disk)
Bulging disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc
Disc protrusion
Disc degeneration (or degenerative disc disease)
Disc disease
Pinched nerve
Siatica
There is no agreement in the medical field as to the precise definition of any of these terms.
Simplified = Disc disorders are contained or non-contained. A Bulging Disc is an example of a contained disc disorder. A bulging disc has not broken open; the nucleus pulposus remains contained within the annulus fibrosus.
A non-contained disc is one that has either partially or completely broken open, the nucleus pulposus oozing out -A Herniated Or Ruptured Disc. Either one can put direct pressure on the nerve (or the coverings of the spinal cord). Pain is both local and often radiate all the way down the patientโs leg or arm.