The spine is a complex structure, exquisitely designed to help us move and balance. Its unique arrangement allows most of us to twist, turn, bend in all directions, and lengthen. Those with a healthy spine and back rely on many of these movements several times a day throughout their routines.
In many cases, when we feel back pain, it’s due to an injury to the spine, which is often a herniated disc. Disc herniations may sound serious, but with the right chiropractic treatment and rehabilitative solutions, your back pain can be quickly managed and your spine restored.
In this post, we’ll tell you:
- What a herniated disc is
- The symptoms of a herniated disc
- Solutions that will heal a herniated disc
- And more
Let’s get started…
What is a Herniated Disc?
To understand what a herniated disc is, it’s important to know a bit about the spine. The spine runs from the top of the neck all the way to the lower back. It’s made up of several bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are each separated by a rubber-like cushion called a disc.
The disc has a soft center, surrounded by a harder shell. When the soft center pushes through the shell, the disc has herniated.
Who Gets Herniated Discs and Why?
Anyone with a properly functioning and healthy spine can get a herniated disc. Whether you’re young or elderly, active or sedentary, strong or delicate, a traumatic event, overuse, or normal wear and tear could cause your disc to herniate.
Common reasons for disc herniation include:
- Car accident
- Sports accident
- Work-related accident
- Spine overuse
- Aging
- Poor posture
- Weight gain or pregnancy
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- And others
Whether your disc herniation is due to a dynamic cough or a rear-end collision, safe and natural relief may be closer than you think.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Herniated discs come in various severities. While some may never know they’ve had one, and the spine mends on its own, others are unable to move. This has to do with irritation to the surrounding nerves that can cause a myriad of discomforts.
Common symptoms include:
- Back pain or low back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Burning pain in the arm or shoulder
- Pain in the leg
- Pain in the buttocks or thigh
- Numbness in the arm or leg
- Weakness in the arm, leg, or back
- Loss of range of motion or flexibility
- Dull back aches
- Calf aches
- Radiating tingling sensations in the affected area
- And others
Some are more prone to disc herniation than others. Ensuring your body is safe and strong will help to minimize spine injuries.
Chiropractic Treatments for a Herniated Disc
Most disc herniations are safely and effectively treated with chiropractic services and other non-invasive solutions. Holistic therapies offer efficient pain management that allow the spine to heal naturally.
With the proper treatment plan, most patients find complete improvement in about six weeks.
Common services to treat a herniated disc include:
- Chiropractic adjustment- a controlled thrust to the targeted area, realigning the spine and restoring correct movement patterns
- PulStar adjustments- a tool used for a lighter form of adjusting that gets effective results
- Rehabilitation exercises and stretches- a program based on your needs and abilities that strengthen the back and spine
- Active Release Technique (ART)- ensuring the soft tissues of the back are healthy and strong so they can support effective movement and flexibility
- And others
When you work with an experienced chiropractor to heal your disc herniation, you’ll receive at-home techniques to enhance your in-clinic sessions, as well as education on posture, workstation setup, sleep positioning, and more. Preventative maintenance is an essential element of your overall wellness.
The Takeaway
If you’re suffering from back pain, we suggest visiting your local chiropractor to ensure you receive the correct healthcare as soon as possible. Getting treatment for your herniated disc will allow you to move and function properly without forcing other joints and soft tissues to compensate for your spine injury.
We know you’re ready to live pain-free. Let’s make it happen. Book with us today.
