The term “slipped disc” is a confusing misnomer—a more accurate term is bulging disc, herniated disc, or disc protrusion. In any event, it can be a scary diagnosis for many people. However, disc injuries are not the life sentence of pain that people often fear.
At The Chiro Lab, we offer a holistic approach to care that may help alleviate the pain and dysfunction associated with bulging discs.
Disc Injury Pain
Spinal discs are spongy, fluid-filled discs that act as cushions or shock absorbers between the vertebrae of your spine. Through trauma, wear and tear or simply the effects of gravity, a disc may become compressed, which causes the fluid filling to bulge, much like when you squeeze a water balloon.
Many people have disc injuries and don’t even know it, because they aren’t causing any pain. But when the disc protrusion presses on nearby nerves, it can result in nerve pain, numbness or muscle weakness anywhere in the body that the compressed nerve runs to.
Disc injuries may heal on their own, although it may take some time for them to resolve.
Our Approach
Our chiropractor, Bentley Woon, will conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of your pain or dysfunction. He’ll design a customized care plan to correct any spinal alignment issues that may be contributing to your disc herniation.
Your care plan may also include soft tissue therapies and rehab exercises, which can stimulate blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing.
Danger Signs
In some cases, disc injuries can press on the spinal cord itself, causing serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. These symptoms include
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Severe weakness or loss of muscle control
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Tingling or numbness between your legs or around your groyne or anus
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Bowel or bladder dysfunction
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Altered sexual sensation
Get Started Today
If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc—or if you think you have one—we want to help get you back to doing the things you love! Contact us today to schedule.
Research on herniated discs has indicated that chiropractic care may be a recommended alternative to surgery. In fact, those who received chiropractic care had the same or better outcomes than those with surgery.
What are Herniated Discs?
Herniated discs are a common problem that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. The discs are the cushions between the vertebrae in your spine, and they can become herniated when they bulge or rupture. This can happen due to an injury or from wear and tear over time.
If you have a herniated disc, you may be able to treat it with conservative measures such as rest, ice, and heat. You may also need to take over-the-counter pain medication or get injections of steroids to reduce inflammation. If these methods don't work, you may need surgery to repair the disc.
Chiropractors are trained to treat herniated discs without surgery. They use manual manipulation of the spine to realign the vertebrae and take pressure off of the discs. A herniated disc chiropractor can provide relief from pain and help prevent further damage to the discs.
How can Herniated Disc Chiropractors Help?
Chiropractors can help people suffering from herniated discs avoid surgery in a number of ways. First, they can provide adjustments to the spine which can take pressure off of the disc and allow it to heal. Second, they can provide exercises and stretches which can strengthen the muscles around the disc and help to prevent further injury. Finally, they can provide lifestyle and diet advice which can help to reduce the risk of developing a herniated disc in the future.
Is Surgery the Only Option for a herniated disc?
If you have a herniated disc, you may be wondering if surgery is your only option. While surgery is an option for some people, it is not the only option. Chiropractors can help people suffering from herniated discs avoid surgery.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat herniated discs, including spinal manipulation, traction, and massage. They can also provide advice on exercises and lifestyle changes that can help improve your condition.
Surgery should always be considered as a last resort when other treatment options have failed. If you are considering surgery for your herniated disc, make sure to consult with a chiropractor first to see if they can help you avoid this potentially risky procedure.
Conclusion
A herniated disc can be a debilitating injury, but with the help of a chiropractor, you can avoid surgery and get back to your life. Chiropractors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of herniated discs, and they can provide you with the relief you need to get back on your feet. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, don't hesitate to contact us today.