Chiropractor FAQ: Can a chiropractor help me with a herniated disc?

On average, 8 in 10 adults will experience back pain at some point in their life. For up to 50% of these people, the pain will be chronic. In other words, they will be in pain every day. A number of them will have pain because of a herniated disc. Although a doctor might recommend a person to undergo a surgical operation for a herniated disc, some medical professionals will recommend chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. 

A chiropractor is well versed with the functioning of the spine and can treat many symptoms of a herniated disc. When you visit a clinic for a herniated disc treatment, you can feel peace of mind in knowing the chiropractor will take time to understand your symptoms and concerns. The chiropractor might also explain how the spine works, how it is related to the nervous system, what to expect during an adjustment, and how the treatment might fix your herniated disc. 

Understanding Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc is relatively common in adult men and women. Herniated discs are also known as a disk prolapse or a slipped disc.  It is debilitating and often causes ongoing pain. Numbness, weakness in the limbs, or dizziness is also possible. After a few weeks, many of the symptoms will often resolve themselves. However, for some people, further medical attention will be necessary. 

The cause of a herniated disc is broad. Some people will experience the condition after a fall or while playing sports. Others might find that exercise or aging leads to the problem. A herniated disc happens when the internal section of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the exterior lawyer. 

If you can imagine the spine, it consists of 26 different vertebrae. In between each of these vertebrae are soft, jelly-like disks. The disks act as a cushion and provide shock absorption for the vertebrae.When the interior of a disk leaks through the walls, it is considered to be a herniated disc. Most people will experience a herniated disc in the lower back, but for some it is possible to have one in the neck region of the spine. 

The escape of the interior of the disc is thought to release various chemicals that can irritate the surrounding area and cause pain. Pressure might also be put onto the nerves and add to the pain. 

Causes of a Herniated Disc

Some causes of a herniated disc include: 

  • Acute injury
  • Gradual wear
  • Overuse
  • Compression
  • Aging
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Twisting while lifting
  • Sports playing

Treating a Herniated Disc

Treatment for a herniated disc can be broad, and will likely vary depending on the severity of the condition, as well as the doctors’ preferences. Medication, injections, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment are possible treatment methods. Each of these can alleviate the pain and encourage healing. That being said, some people will need to undergo surgery or decompression therapy.  

How Should You Address and Treat Your Herniated Disc?

How your herniated disc should be treated will largely depend on the circumstances of the condition as well as, underlying factors. Anyone who has a herniated disc should be made aware of all their treatment options. This will allow them to make an informed decision about how they can reduce or alleviate their associated pain. In general, chiropractic treatment is one of the most common recommendations of treatment, especially for those who are not ready to consider an invasive treatment. 

If you would like to speak with a chiropractor in Glen Burnie, MD about treating a herniated disc, please call a clinic today.

Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care for a herniated disc.

Serving the communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, and the rest of the NC Triangle

205 Providence Rd. Chapel Hill NC 27514 | Phone: (919) 929-1400

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