Do You Have a Herniated Disc? Here’s What You Need to Know
A herniated disc, also known as a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc, could be the culprit behind that nagging pain in your lower back or legs. The good news? Chiropractic care offers several effective treatments to help ease your discomfort and restore your mobility.
The discs in your spine are rubbery, round cushions that sit between each vertebra. These discs act as shock absorbers, providing support and cushioning as you bend, twist, walk, and run. Each disc has a tough outer layer, which surrounds a soft, jelly-like core. When this outer layer tears, the soft core can protrude through it, causing a herniated disc.
While minor herniations may not cause any noticeable symptoms, larger herniations can press on the nerves in your spinal column. This pressure can trigger a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. It’s more than just discomfort—it can feel like your body has suddenly betrayed you.
Though injuries or falls can lead to a herniated disc, the condition is often linked to wear and tear that occurs as we age. Over time, discs naturally lose their elasticity and become flatter and more prone to damage. One day, you may bend over to pick up your dropped keys and feel an unexpected jolt of pain in your back. It can strike when you least expect it, adding to the frustration.
In addition to age, gender is another factor. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, men between the ages of 20 and 50 are more likely to develop herniated discs. Other common risk factors include:
- Lack of regular exercise
- Lifting with your back muscles instead of your legs
- Smoking
- Physically demanding work or hobbies
- Being overweight or obese
- Sitting for prolonged periods (e.g., long hours of driving)
The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on where the disc is located in your spine. If the herniation occurs in your neck (cervical spine), you may experience:
- Neck pain radiating to your shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the upper limbs
When a herniated disc occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine), it can affect the nerves that travel to your legs, resulting in:
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in your back, legs, or feet
- Weakness in the legs, making walking or standing difficult
The pain often worsens at night or after sitting or standing for extended periods. In severe cases, a herniated disc can even interfere with bowel and bladder control, requiring immediate medical attention.
While rest, along with applying heat or ice, can help reduce pain and inflammation, it’s important not to rest for too long. Excessive rest can lead to muscle spasms and stiff joints. After a day or two, gentle movement and stretching can promote healing. However, what can you do when the pain won’t quit, and over-the-counter pain relief just isn’t cutting it?
Chiropractic treatments offer a variety of non-invasive options to alleviate symptoms and help your body heal naturally:
- Spinal Manipulation: This hands-on treatment realigns the spine, relieving pressure on the affected nerves. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that 60% of patients with sciatica caused by herniated discs experienced relief similar to surgery from spinal manipulation alone. Why opt for invasive surgery when a non-invasive solution works just as well?
- Massage Therapy: A targeted massage can help relax tight muscles, increase blood flow, and release endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. It’s an underrated therapy that works wonders.
- Flexion-Distraction Therapy: Performed on a specialized therapy table, this treatment gently stretches the spine to reposition the disc and increase its height, providing relief from pain and pressure. Imagine your spine gently “resetting” itself. That’s the power of flexion-distraction therapy.
- Ultrasound Therapy: The use of ultrasound waves relaxes the muscles, reduces inflammation, and speeds up the healing process by promoting blood circulation. It’s a quiet, yet effective way to accelerate healing.
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS): EMS involves low-frequency electrical currents to warm and relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and stimulate the production of endorphins to enhance healing. Think of it as a mini workout for your muscles, helping them to recover and perform better.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, tingling, or weakness, it’s time to consult with a chiropractor. Chiropractors are well-trained in diagnosing and treating herniated discs without the need for invasive surgery. They can create a personalized treatment plan that focuses on reducing your pain and improving your spine’s health.
Are you struggling with the discomfort of a herniated disc? We can help you find relief and get back to living pain-free. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Take the first step toward recovery today—contact us to schedule a consultation and discover how chiropractic care can support your healing journey.
Herniated disc pain doesn’t have to control your life. There’s a path to healing, and chiropractic care could be the key to unlocking it. Whether it’s the constant ache in your back, the tingling down your leg, or the numbness in your hands, relief is possible. You deserve a life free from pain. Let’s make that happen together.
Sources:
Harvard Health Publishing: Don’t Take Back Pain Sitting Down, 3/20