Any type of back injury can cause significant pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. These symptoms could keep you from working or doing the things you love.
One particular serious injury you can suffer in the spinal area is a herniated disc. With this injury, an extruded disc presses on the surrounding spinal cord nerves, resulting in all manner of issues.
If you have disc problems in lower back vertebrae, the neck, or any point in the spine, getting relief from the pain isn’t always simple. Any movement could trigger another wave of debilitating discomfort.
What is a herniated disc, and what treatment options may be out there to help you? Learn more about these incapacitating injuries and the assistance a chiropractor can offer.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
To understand what a herniated disc is, it’s essential to know a bit about basic human anatomy.
The first thing to be aware of is that a number of bones called vertebrae make up your spine. They’re stacked on top of one another and house the bundle of nerves and tissues collectively known as the spinal cord.
To prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other, the spine also contains structures called intervertebral discs. These cushioned junctions are full of a gel-like substance protected by a tough outer covering known as the annulus fibrosus. A herniated disc occurs when the gel pushes through the annulus fibrosus and leaks out.
So what is a bulging disc? Is it the same thing? Yes — “herniated” and “bulging” are two terms that describe the same problem.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
The symptoms you might experience with a bulging disc depend on where along your spine the herniation occurs. Common symptoms of herniated discs in the lower spine include:
- Lower back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the feet or legs
- Muscular weakness in the legs
In comparison, a herniated disc in the cervical area (the neck) may cause:
- Neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Pain between or near the shoulder blades
- Pain that worsens when turning or bending the neck
- A hot or electric sensation that runs down the arms to the hands
The pain you experience with a herniated disc can be sharp, dull, tingling, radiating, or burning. It can also come and go. Some people can even suffer a herniated disc without any symptoms at all.
Of these herniated disc symptoms, lower back pain tends to be among the most prevalent and debilitating.
Herniated Disc Causes
Herniated discs can occur for numerous reasons, including normal wear and tear. Over time, the layer that protects the gel-like center of the intervertebral discs can weaken. When this happens, they become less flexible, making them more likely to rupture.
Performing repetitive twisting or bending motions can also put strain on the discs, which can be a concern for athletes and professionals who work in factories or warehouses. Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can result in these injuries as well.
Accidents are another potential cause, with falls being particularly problematic. They subject the spine to a significant amount of force, causing damage to the discs. This leads to tears in the outer layer and the herniation of the gel-like center. Motor vehicle accidents that cause the spine to twist unnaturally can also result in bulging discs.
Certain factors can increase your likelihood of a disc herniation. One of these is carrying excess body weight, which puts a lot of strain on the discs in the lower back. Your genes play a role, too, as some people are more prone to these injuries than others.
Smoking is another notable factor. It triggers inflammation throughout the body while also reducing the oxygen supply to the discs. Spending a lot of time sitting can exacerbate any of these causes by increasing the amount of pressure the discs are subjected to.
What Are the Most Common Herniated Disc Treatment Options?
If you’re dealing with the symptoms of a herniated disc and have received a diagnosis for this issue, what comes next? Alleviating the pain you feel may require a combination of treatments. Let’s look at a few of the options your healthcare provider is most likely to recommend.
Medication
Most doctors start treating herniated discs with medication. For milder injuries, over-the-counter painkillers could offer relief. Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other options to address your symptoms.
If that’s not enough, your doctor could opt for neuropathic drugs. These impact the nerves directly, helping to decrease discomfort. If you have muscle spasms along with pain, you may need muscle relaxers. However, these might not be appropriate for everyone because they cause dizziness and other side effects.
Cortisone injections may be appropriate for those suffering from pain that oral medications can’t relieve. You’ll receive an injection in the area of the spine where the herniated disc is located.
For the most severe pain that other medications don’t address, opioids might be the next option. These drugs are known to cause dependence and other issues, however, so your doctor will likely exhaust other medication options before prescribing them.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help you learn how to take pressure off the impacted nerves. There are numerous herniated disc exercises that can be used to improve spinal mobility, strengthen core muscles, and stabilize the spine.
Physical therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. You may have significant pain or struggle with mobility issues that prevent you from performing certain exercises.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic services revolve around spinal adjustments to help realign the vertebrae and reduce the pressure on the impacted disc. This form of treatment can help decompress the full spine, as well, helping prevent further injuries.
There are a few common chiropractic options for herniated discs, beginning with manual spinal adjustments. Your provider will apply controlled force to the affected area to help reposition the disc and relieve nerve pain.
Soft tissue therapy can also be helpful. It involves massages that improve circulation and relax nearby muscles. This helps speed up the healing process while also ensuring that the muscles can provide more support for your spine.
Cox chiropractic techniques can be helpful for herniated discs, too. This method serves to gently decompress the spine, relieving pressure and pain.
Chiropractic is the most effective way of managing a herniated disc for the majority of people. It allows the body to heal naturally while aligning the surrounding structures to prevent further injuries.
Surgery
To deal with a severely herniated disc, surgery may be necessary. It may be recommended if you have trouble walking or standing, or if your pain is overwhelming. During the procedure, surgeons will remove the portion of the disc that protrudes.
Preventing Herniated Discs From Getting Worse
As you begin treatment for a herniated disc, it’s vital to take steps to prevent it from worsening. This usually means making targeted lifestyle changes.
Stop Smoking
Tobacco contains toxic chemicals and byproducts that cause inflammation and reduce blood flow. That means the disc may not receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to heal.
Focus on Hydration and Diet
Proper hydration can keep the discs in better shape, decreasing the risk of future injuries. Alongside water, make sure you’re getting the right nutrients in your diet. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
A healthy body weight is crucial for spinal health. Excess weight puts undue pressure on the spine, especially in the lower back. If you’re dealing with a herniated disc, removing as much of that pressure as possible can make a world of difference. There’s no need to go on an extreme diet — just losing a few pounds could be enough to help.
Learn Proper Body Mechanics
If you spend a lot of time sitting or standing, knowing how to do so correctly can make discomfort more manageable by reducing the strain on your spine.
Prolonged sitting generally isn’t good for someone with a herniated disc, as it puts additional pressure on the discs. Take regular breaks to stand and gently stretch to realign the spine. Doing so at least once every hour can help tremendously.
You can prevent further disc damage by avoiding abrupt twisting motions. If such movement is part of your job, you may need to learn how to do so in a way that causes less strain.
Strengthen Your Core
Performing exercises that strengthen your lower back and abdominals can be instrumental in keeping the disc injury from getting worse. A stronger core can better support your spine and take pressure off the discs.
Get Relief From a Herniated Disc With Help From Algonquin Chiropractic Center
Suffering an injury as painful as a herniated disc can be devastating. If you’re like many people, you may have tried medications without success and are unsure of what to do next.
The skilled team of professionals at Algonquin Chiropractic Center can provide a variety of chiropractic services to treat your pain and underlying structural issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
