Everything You Need to Know About Herniated Discs

If you are experiencing pain in your back, neck, or other parts of your body, it is possible that you are suffering from a herniated disc. This is a condition that affects millions of people each year and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will discuss what herniated discs are, the symptoms associated with them, and how they can be treated.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc or a bulging disc, is a condition in which the inner gel-like substance of the disc leaks out through a tear in the outer layer of the disc. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including wear and tear on the discs, injury, or excessive strain on the back. When this happens, the gel can put pressure on the nerves nearby, causing pain.

Causes

There are a number of things that can cause the discs in your spine to herniate. Some of the most common causes include:

• Wear and tear: This is the most common cause of herniated discs. As we age, our discs begin to wear down and become less elastic. This can cause them to bulge or rupture more easily.
• Injury: A sudden injury, such as a car accident or a fall, can cause the discs in your spine to herniate.
• Excessive strain: Repeatedly lifting heavy objects or undertaking other activities that put strain on your back can cause the discs to herniate.

A herniated disc may also be the result of certain lifestyle choices, such as:

• Jobs that involve sitting for long periods of time or heavy lifting
• Staying sedentary and allowing your back muscles to lose strength
• Gaining excess weight, which strains the spine further
• Being male
• Smoking cigarettes
• Eating a poor diet that doesn’t provide the nutrients required for joint and disc health

What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

The most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain. This pain can radiate from the site of the herniation out to other parts of the body, such as the legs, arms, or even the chest. Other symptoms associated with a herniated disc include:

• Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, besides pain in your lower back, you’ll typically feel pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. You might have pain in part of the foot as well.
• For a herniated disk in your neck, you’ll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning.
• Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
• Weakness. Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This can cause you to stumble, or affect your ability to lift or hold items.

You can have a herniated disk without symptoms. Mayo Clinic explains that you might not know you have it unless it shows up on a spinal image.

Treatment Options

At Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab, we offer a selection of innovative treatments that provide effective pain relief and promote long term healing, which include:

• Spinal Decompression Therapy and chiropractic spinal manipulation to release pressure on the affected disc or discs
• Class IV DIOWAVE Laser Therapy
• Tracking of bulging discs that aren’t causing symptoms
• Medically supervised weight loss to relieve strain on the entire spine

Prevention Tips

It’s not always possible to prevent a herniated disk, but Cleveland Clinic explains that you can reduce your risk by:

• Using proper lifting techniques. Don’t bend at the waist. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Use your strong leg muscles to help support the load.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back.
• Practicing good posture. Learn how to improve your posture when you walk, sit, stand and sleep. Good posture reduces strain on your spine.
• Stretching. It’s especially important to take stretching breaks if you often sit for long periods.
• Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes. This type of shoe throws your spine out of alignment.
• Exercising regularly. Focus on workouts that strengthen your back and abdomen muscles to support your spine.
• Stopping smoking. Smoking can weaken disks, making them vulnerable to rupture. Consider quitting smoking.

Make an Appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab, we offer a variety of effective treatments to relieve your pain and promote healing. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.