Spinal Disc Health

There are 24 spinal vertebra and 23 spinal discs between those bones. The outer layer of the disc is fibrous and thick (annulus fibrosus) while the inner layer has the consistency of toothpaste (nucleus pulposus).

When a disc herniates, a tear in the outer layer allows the inner nucleus to squeeze out, and in some cases, put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. This can cause pain and always decreases brain to body connection.

There has been a lot of talk lately about the impact of sitting on the spine. It has been called the “new smoking”, meaning that we’re just starting to understand the long term health consequences of prolonged sitting.

Studies have been done to test the amount of pressure placed on the discs of the lower back. Disc pressure and stress on the lumbar spine are lowest when lying on your back – 25 kg. These stresses increase when you change to lying on your side; this disc pressure is measured at approximately 75 kg. Standing upright produces 100 kg of pressure, leaning forward from the standing position the pressure increases to 150 kg. Holding a weight and leaning forward in the standing position causes this pressure to further rise to 220 kg! Sitting upright will place 140 kg of pressure on the lumbar disc. Leaning forward from this position then raises the pressure to 185 kg!

So what’s the moral of the story? Same as always…movement is life. Sitting upright puts 40% more pressure on your lower back than standing and leaning forward while sitting puts 85% more pressure on you spine. Use a standing desk when you can. Make excuses to get up and move. Take a break and walk around for a few minutes while taking long drives. If you have to sit, rock your lower back front to back, side to side and SIT UP STRAIGHT!

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  • Dr. Neil is one of best chiropractors, very thorough and professional, he uses the natural authentic techniques in treatment. Once you start the treatment you will start feeling the difference from a day one as your pain will start fading away, All aspects of the services are top notch and I appreciate the care and customer service I received.

    Mohamed S. Avatar
    Mohamed S.
    2/03/2023
  • Knowledgeable, listens to me and very approachable

    Denise H. Avatar
    Denise H.
    12/14/2022
  • Dr. Neil has provided outstanding and efficient care for my whole family. From our very first visit we noticed better quality of sleep, increased comfort, resolved headaches, and improved mobility. I am especially grateful for the way Dr. Neil has welcomed us on short notice when urgent needs have arisen and for his follow up care. Our quality of life is much better because of Dr. Neil.

    T K. Avatar
    T K.
    11/29/2022
  • Neil is a kind, super efficient and caring Chiropractor as is his staff

    Angie L. Avatar
    Angie L.
    11/22/2022
  • EXCELLENT CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY(not sure about family pets lol) When I came to Dr. Neil I was having problems with a very tight left hip flexor, pain in my left knee, sciatica and some back issues. I’ve been a patient for about two years and recommend this practice to all my family and friends. Since then all areas of concern are much better; some of the symptoms are completely gone. I feel part of the family! Dr.Neil is a true professional who makes himself accessible to his patients even outside of office hours. He and his team take wholistic approach and have created an atmosphere health and healing that is tangible when you walk in the door and Deb greets you. They are very accommodating with scheduling and always manage to find the time to squeeze me in, in an emergency. I never have to wait long. They’ve adjusted me through some really challenging seasons in my life. He and his team love what they do and they love helping their patients, giving back to the community and also abroad. My sister who was visiting from California and she loves Dr Neil because he was able to provide some care until she returned home. Turns out Dr Neil knows her chiropractor...go figure. Go you won’t be disappointed!

    Julia H. Avatar
    Julia H.
    11/22/2022
  • Dr. Neil is highly recommanded to anyone who has back pain, neck pain, or etc. I visited him for my lower back pain. I bear with the pain for a while then eventually I was having hard time walking, sitting, standing, even sleeping. Dr. Neil went through assessments and x-ray for the pain then he explains me the result very nice and easy to understand. He also prepared his video on youtube to support his patients. With all of these, I felt the first time that this doctor really cares about his patients and has passion of his job. Even though I am only been with him a month and half, my lower back pain definitely got much better and as well as neck pain. And of course I cannot forget about Deb and Sue. Thank you Deb that you replied me very quick on the first day for booking an assessment. Thank you Sue that you were very friendly for the assessment.

    Jessica L. Avatar
    Jessica L.
    11/15/2022
  • Any resistance I had to chiropractic treatment, due to past experiences, has disappeared thanks to Dr. Neil Brown and his very capable, kind staff. From the detailed initial assessment, the thorough explanation of the treatment plan including online tutorials and weekly newsletters, the extremely efficient self check-in and dual treatment beds resulting in little to no wait time at each appointment, makes for a very positive experience. I would highly recommend Ancaster Family Chiropractic to family and friends!

    Karen P. Avatar
    Karen P.
    11/15/2022
  • Dr. Neil is very accommodating. The office space is peaceful, and the staff is kind. Thank you Ancaster Family for everything you have done for myself and my family.

    Mary L. Avatar
    Mary L.
    11/15/2022
  • Dr. Neil is an amazing chiropractor. He is very personable, professional and knowledgeable. The team is all so warm and welcoming. Also, Dr. Neil goes out of his way to make sure I'm on the right track for my healing. For example, one time when a particular area of my body was causing me some pain. He adjusted me, gave me some exercises to do and asked me to let him know how I was feeling in a couple of days.

    Rich&Alex D. Avatar
    Rich&Alex D.
    11/15/2022
  • Excellent with young children!

    Vanessa R. Avatar
    Vanessa R.
    11/14/2022
  • I have had strong pain in my arm for months and thanks to Dr. Neil Brown and his friendly team they have helped me get back to the things I enjoy in life without as much pain.

    Kay W. Avatar
    Kay W.
    11/14/2022
  • Impressively efficient adjustment system. No wait or short wait. Very friendly staff. Never had an issue rescheduling appointments. You will feel and see the difference with your posture over time. Highly recommend :)

    Sean D. Avatar
    Sean D.
    11/11/2022
  • A huge thanks to Dr. Neil and all the staff at Ancaster Family Chiropractic for the all of the care they have provided for our son. We have noticed a decrease in his complaints of pain as well as an increase in his range of motion. We can already see the benefits and are grateful for their expertise!

    Jpod D. Avatar
    Jpod D.
    11/10/2022
  • It’s very interesting going in for an appointment after having some pain and the doctor notices where the pain is without saying it. Dr. Neil knows his patients and they are very flexible with appointments.

    ARNOLD R. Avatar
    ARNOLD R.
    8/22/2022
  • Sharing from my personal experience- I started a few months ago and I was having an annoying pain in my left shoulder and neck area prior starting, Dr. Neil helped me out a lot with that and I am really feeling relaxed and relieved from that annoying pain. My sleep schedule got improved. I highly recommend this place & Dr. Neil.

    Bhrigu M. Avatar
    Bhrigu M.
    8/09/2022
  • Really impressed with the quality of care my children are receiving. They are comfortable coming here & their sleep issues have improved. I also have issues with my wrist and hands & they kindly looked at my issue and gave me a quick adjustment free of charge.

    n/a w. Avatar
    n/a w.
    5/15/2022
  • The team at Ancaster Family Chiropractic are amazing. I've been seeing Dr. Neil for quite a few years now and am so glad I have. Dr. Neil's treatment plan has not only given me greater mobility I very rarely even get sick. I would highly recommend Dr. Neil if you're looking for a way to improve your health. Give Deb a call and make an appointment, you won't regret it. If you want to feel healthier this is the place to go.

    Kris C. Avatar
    Kris C.
    4/29/2022
  • All my family (my wife, 3yr daughter and myself) have regularly treatments from Dr. Neil and his awesome team. Definitely a big improvement and highly recommend.

    HK M. Avatar
    HK M.
    4/24/2022
  • After a few month treatment, my neck and shoulder feel much better and I can work in front of the computer much longer...Dr Neil is very knowledgeable and the staffs are very very friendly!

    Amanda P. Avatar
    Amanda P.
    4/24/2022
  • Started going too the Ancaster family chiropractic about a month ago with neck and mid to lower back pain. Now I'm having less pain and stiffness through out the week.They also put together a personal plan for the problems I was going through and walk me through how they were going to solve them

    colin p. Avatar
    colin p.
    4/24/2022

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