Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when one of the small, gel-filled discs bulges out of place or ruptures entirely. In the event of a rupture, some of the inner gel oozes out, causing irritation of the nerves surrounding it. It also means that there is less cushioning between the two vertebrae on either side of it.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Some patients can live with a herniated disc for some time and not experience any symptoms at all. However, in most instances, the problem will trigger some degree of back pain that may be accompanied by:
- Nerve pain, that radiates down into the buttocks and legs.
- Sciatic pain caused specifically by compression of the sciatic nerve which also radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and legs.
- Mobility problems, with limbs that feel like they aren’t responding as they should.
- Neurological symptoms including numbness, prickling, tingling, hot and cold sensations and more. These can occur in the back, hips, buttocks, legs, feet, and arms.
- In very rare situations, a patient may experience problems with bladder and bowel function.
How can chiropractic care treat a herniated disc?
Many people have heard that chiropractic care can help with back pain, and the same is true when it comes to the treatment of a herniated disc. A chiropractor is an expert in the musculoskeletal system and understands how to use different, non-invasive techniques in order to treat problems within the spine, joints, and muscles. Some of these techniques include:
- Spinal manipulations. This is when your chiropractor will use their hands to apply moderate force to the bones, joints, and muscles in and around the spine.
- Short, sharp thrusting movements to re-align parts of the body and release compressed nerves.
- Pulling and stretching your muscles in different directions.
- Gradually moving your joints into different positions.
Benefits of chiropractic care for a herniated disc
There are a range of advantages to choosing chiropractic care rather than conventional medicine to help treat your herniated disc. These include:
- Reduced pain and improved mobility without the need for medications and medication-related side effects.
- Reduced inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments relieve pressure on the nervous system and help the body to release an anti-inflammatory substance which reduces inflammation and associated pain.
- Customizable treatment, so that you can ensure that you get the treatment that you need to resolve your specific symptoms.
- Chiropractic care is safe and low risk as it is non-invasive, and side-effects of treatment are minimal.
- Regular chiropractic treatment can help to prevent future problems with the spine and other joints.
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