Conditions
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a common spinal condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. To better comprehend this condition, it’s essential to delve into its structure, function, and potential implications for one’s health.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior. This condition can result from several factors, often involving a combination of physical strain and degenerative changes. Here are the primary causes:
The most common cause of a herniated disc is disc degeneration due to age. As we age, our spinal discs lose some of their water content, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even minor strain or twisting.
Lifting heavy objects improperly, sudden movements, or twisting can exert excessive pressure on the discs, leading to a herniated disc. Jobs or activities that require physical labor, particularly those involving lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting, significantly increase the risk.
Excessive body weight puts additional stress on the discs in the lower back, increasing the risk of herniation.
A lack of regular exercise can lead to poor muscle tone and may contribute to the degeneration of spinal discs, making them more susceptible to herniation.
Smoking decreases oxygen supply to the disc, exacerbating the degenerative process and increasing the likelihood of a herniation.
Most often, the pain is felt on one side of the body. If the herniation is in the lower back, you might experience pain in the buttocks, thigh, and calf. A herniated disc in the neck might cause pain in the arm and shoulder. This pain can be sharp or burning and may increase with movements or at night.
Patients often experience tingling or a sensation of pins and needles in the area of the body served by the affected nerves.
Muscles served by the affected nerves can weaken. This can impair your ability to lift or hold items and may cause stumbles or affect your gait.
This can include sciatica when a herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, causing sharp, shooting pain through the buttock and back of the leg.
In severe cases, a herniated disc can compress nerves so significantly that it affects control over bladder or bowel functions, a condition known as cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.
Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.
Chiropractic care provides a non-surgical solution for herniated disc pain by focusing on spinal alignment and reducing nerve pressure. Through targeted spinal manipulations, chiropractors correct misalignments that contribute to disc issues, alleviating nerve irritation and improving mobility. The flexion-distraction technique, a gentle method using a specialized table, also helps by stretching the spine and creating a vacuum effect that retracts the herniated material, easing nerve pain.
Additionally, chiropractors employ pelvic blocking techniques with cushioned wedges to adjust spine mechanics during exercises, which aids in reducing disc herniation and pain. Patients are also guided through therapeutic exercises to strengthen spine-supporting muscles and taught proper posture and ergonomic practices to manage symptoms and prevent future episodes. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive care for those suffering from herniated discs, promoting recovery without the need for drugs or surgery.
Chiropractic care addresses the underlying issues of a herniated disc by improving spinal alignment and motion. Through specific chiropractic adjustments and techniques like flexion-distraction, chiropractors aim to reduce the pressure on the herniated disc, which helps alleviate pain and enhance natural healing processes. These adjustments also improve spinal function, which can prevent further degeneration and discomfort.
During your first session for herniated disc treatment, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical exam, spinal alignment checks, and possibly diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of the disc herniation. Based on the findings, the chiropractor will discuss your treatment options and may begin with gentle spinal adjustments or other non-invasive therapies tailored to your specific needs.
Chiropractic treatment is generally considered safe for individuals with herniated discs, provided it is performed by a trained and experienced chiropractor. Chiropractors use specific, gentle techniques suited for herniated disc conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. An initial assessment will determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on the severity and specifics of the disc herniation.
The number of sessions required can vary significantly based on the severity of the disc herniation and the patient’s overall health. Some patients may experience relief within a few sessions, while others might need a longer-term approach to effectively manage pain and promote healing. Your chiropractor will monitor progress and adjust treatments as necessary.
In many cases, chiropractic care can provide sufficient relief from symptoms caused by a herniated disc and may help patients avoid surgery. By improving spinal function and reducing pressure on the affected disc and nerves, chiropractic care supports the body’s natural healing processes. However, it’s important to note that severe cases may still require surgical intervention, and a chiropractor can help in determining the best course of action.
Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.
N8 Family Chiropractic provides quality chiropractic and wellness services at each of our locations. Whether you are young or young at heart, we believe chiropractic care can help you.
The contents of this website including text, graphics, images, and other materials are provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
