Suffering a disc injury to your back is a serious matter. There are various types, and each one can affect your quality of life. Too many people ignore the signs and symptoms of these issues. This only leads to more pain and soreness, interrupting the individual’s daily activities. If you understand what a herniated disc feels like and how it impacts your health, you can be prepared to get the help you need. A chiropractor can treat this condition and relieve the discomfort you feel.
An overview of a herniated disc
Throughout the spinal column is a series of spongy cushions known as discs. These function like shock absorbers, helping the body to move effectively. The center of the disc, or nucleus, is jelly-like. It sits inside a tougher covering called the annulus.
A healthy disc allows for flexibility throughout the spine and body. However, when part of the inside pushes through the annulus, a herniated disc occurs. People suffer this condition more frequently when they age, though strain on the back can cause the injury as well. A herniated disc can happen at any point along the spine.
Signs and symptoms of this disc injury
As the nucleus pushes through the annulus, the disc can press against the nerve. This can pinch nerves all along the spinal column. Because these nerves affect all parts of the body, when a herniated disc sits against a nerve, it can produce a feeling of numbness in the legs and feet. The person may even feel tingling in the buttocks and other extremities.
A disc injury can also cause pain in the arms and legs. The area where this pain is most intense will depend on where the herniated disc is located. A herniated disc near the neck may cause irritation and soreness in the upper arms and shoulders. A herniated disc in the lower back will shoot pain into the thighs, buttocks, and down to the ankles and feet.
Nonsurgical spinal decompression (NSD)
NSD is a non-invasive back treatment that carefully frees up the disc and facet joints to gradually stretch the spine. The procedure uses computerized traction to relieve discomfort and provide improved flexibility and range of motion. Spinal decompression is often the first line of defense. To do this, the chiropractor has the patient lie horizontally with their face and torso facing downward. The variable distraction angle allows the chiropractor to target and manipulate the affected discs and move them into the correct places.
Flexion-distraction technique
This is a form of spinal manipulation where the chiropractor uses a specialized table that places patients in a position that gently stretches or “distracts” the spine. This allows the identification and isolation of the affected area for slight flexing with a pumping rhythm. The procedure is painless and allows the repositioning of the intervertebral disc. With this method, patients will need multiple treatments, combined with other options like muscle stimulation, physiotherapy, and at-home work based on the chiropractor’s assessment.
Pelvic blocking
Another approach to treating this disc injury is to have the individual lie on a table with a cushion under the pelvis. This will change the patient’s posture and reduce any pressure the discs are feeling. Patients can feel relief from inflammation and discomfort after going through the technique. It can also have a positive effect on the nerves of the spinal column.
Take disc injuries seriously and get the help you need
You should never ignore any of the warning signs that you have a herniated disc or any other disc injury. Though these clues may not present themselves right away, they can become more severe. Your chiropractor treats herniated discs by resolving the underlying issues responsible for the damage. The techniques are used to help you manage the pain and irritation. Call a chiropractor so you can schedule an appointment to start your treatment.
Get more information here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at (423) 910-2302
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