If you’ve ever experienced neck and back pain with tingling and numbness, then you may have had a herniated disc. Spinal discs are spongy, jelly-like discs that separate each of the vertebrae in the spine. These discs help to absorb shock and regular wear and tear on the body. They also prevent the bones from rubbing against one another. Each spinal disc has a softer center encased in a tougher exterior. A herniated disc refers to a type of issue with a spinal disc where part of the soft center escapes through a tear in the exterior of the disc. This type of injury can occur in any part of the spine and you will want to see a chiropractor for herniated disc treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
The most common areas where a herniated disc occurs are in the neck and lower back. Herniated discs can be caused by an acute injury like damage to the spine during a car accident or while playing sports. A herniated disc can also develop due to aging and general wear and tear on the body. As you age, the spinal discs lose their flexibility and become more brittle and prone to tears or ruptures. Symptoms of a herniated disc include pain around the area of the spine where the affected disc is located. The spinal column houses the nervous system and that means a herniated disc could put pressure on a nearby nerve, causing pain and other symptoms in your extremities. Other signs include numbness and tingling that radiates into other areas of the body. If a herniated disc is compressing a nerve that serves nearby muscles, then it could also cause muscle weakness.
Diagnosing a Herniated Disc
In order to provide you with herniated disc treatment, your chiropractor will first need to diagnose the issue. This will typically include a physical examination of your spine to identify misalignments of spinal discs or vertebrae. Your chiropractor may also want to test nerve responses like reflexes and sensitivity in extremities where you have also experienced pain, tingling, and numbness, like your arms and legs. Diagnostic imaging tools can also be helpful for providing a clear image of the affected area. An X-ray will provide your chiropractor with a closer look at the spine and also help rule out other potential spinal injuries or issues.
Best Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
Your chiropractor will develop an individualized herniated disc treatment plan that is unique to your healthcare needs and recovery process. Herniated disc treatment will involve addressing your immediate pain symptoms while also addressing the root of the problem. In the case of a herniated disc, your chiropractor will want to utilize a combination of treatment techniques to provide you with lasting pain relief and resolve the herniated disc in your spine. Here are three treatment options for a herniated disc.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers an all-natural approach to pain and spinal issues like a herniated disc. This drug-free approach promotes the body’s natural healing abilities and uses manual therapies and non-invasive options to resolve your pain. A chiropractor will use therapeutic treatment techniques like chiropractic adjustments that help address misalignments in your spine. They may also use therapeutic massage to stimulate the body’s healing response and promote healthy blood flow and nutrients to the area.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a technique that helps by removing pressure on the spine. You will lie on a computerized decompression table that your chiropractor will operate to help gently stretch and lengthen your spine. In the case of a herniated disc, this can help provide more space between two vertebrae for the spinal disc to move back to its proper positioning. This will also help relieve the pressure on nearby nerves.
Active Rehab
Your chiropractor may also walk you through stretches and exercises to help you manage your pain and strengthen your back. Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can help provide better stability for the area and reduce your pain and discomfort. You can also learn about how proper posture will reduce pressure on your spinal column and how to move and lift while supporting your spine.
Visit Affordable Chiropractic Killeen to get started on chiropractic herniated disc treatment today! Our team of chiropractors will determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for your pain and help you get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
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