Broad Base Herniated Disks

When diagnosing broad base herniated disks, consideration is immediately given to the alignment of the spine.  Herniated Disks is basically a way of referring to a spinal displacement of cartilage or vertebral disks.  Herniated disks are not to be confused with an acquired growth on the edges of spinal disks. To be considered a broad base herniated disk, the disk must be displaced or shifted from its normal location.  Herniation is not to be confused with bulging.  Bulging is more of less an extension of the disk tissue.  The term broad base refers to the how much of the disk is herniated.  A protrusion is measured and is split into one of two categories:  Focal or broad base.  A broad base herniated disk refers a disk that encompasses 25% to 50% of the circumference of the herniated disks.   Broad base herniated disks can then also be split into additional categories.  Broad base herniated disk material can be considered either uncontained or contained.  A test is done to determine if the disk tissue is being held intact or if it is leaking fluid into vertebral canal. Broad base herniated disks can also be referred to as broad base protrusions and are essentially measured the same way.  Treatment option for broad base herniated disks usually begins with heat and cold therapy as well as physical therapy. While scientifically there is no proof that chiropractic manipulation will effectively treat a broad base herniated disk.  Many will attest to the benefits and pain relief they have felt when adding chiropractic manipulation to their current treatment plan involving physical and massage therapy.  Alternative treatments like acupuncture have been shown to primarily have a placebo effect according to many medical journals, but research into this is ongoing.  With the right treatment and care, broad base herniated disks can be treated.