4 Signs of a Herniated Disc & How Chiropractic Care Can Help
A herniated disc can cause pain with almost every movement. In turn, this can seriously disrupt your daily life. But how do you know you have a herniated disc? And what should you look out for?
Below, we take a closer look, as well as explore how chiropractic care can help!
What is a Herniated Disc?
Before we jump into the signs, let’s quickly break down what we’re dealing with. Your spine is made up of a stack of bones (vertebrae) with shock-absorbing discs between them. These discs have a tough outer layer and a soft, jelly-like center. A herniated disc happens when that outer layer cracks and some of the soft center pushes out, leading to pain and more.
Common Signs of a Herniated Disc
So, how do you know if you’re dealing with a herniated disc? While everyone’s experience can be a bit different, there are some common signs to watch out for.
1. Back Pain
Pain is often the first sign that something’s not quite right. You might feel a sharp pain when you move around or a sharp pain in your buttocks, hip, or leg. Bending, lifting, or sitting for long periods might also make you wince more than usual.
2. Numbness or Tingling
Ever had that “fell asleep”” feeling in your arm or leg? With a herniated disc, you might get an unwelcome encore of that sensation.
3. Muscle Weakness: When Your Limbs Go Limp
Muscle weakness can sometimes be a sure-fire sign that you’re dealing with a herniated disc. However, it’s important to note that this can be a sign of other conditions and shouldn’t be ignored if corresponding with other symptoms.
4. Changes in Bladder or Bowel Function
In rare cases, a herniated disc can affect your ability to control your bladder or bowels. This is a serious sign that requires immediate medical attention.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
After understanding the signs and symptoms of a herniated disc, the next logical step is to explore effective treatment options. Chiropractic care emerges as a viable, non-invasive approach to managing herniated discs and restoring patients to their optimal, pain-free state.
Chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with a particular focus on spinal health. Their expertise in spinal biomechanics and nervous system function positions them uniquely to address herniated disc issues through a variety of specialized techniques.
Central to chiropractic care for herniated discs is the concept of spinal realignment. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can exacerbate the pressure on herniated discs and surrounding nerves. Through precise spinal adjustments, chiropractors work to restore proper alignment, thereby reducing pressure on the affected disc and alleviating associated pain and inflammation.
The spinal adjustment process involves the application of controlled force to specific vertebrae. This carefully calculated manipulation aims to improve spinal motion, restore proper biomechanics, and reduce nerve irritability. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can often achieve significant pain relief and improved function for patients with herniated discs.
It’s further important to note that chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing herniated discs. This conservative treatment method aims to address the root cause of the problem rather than merely masking symptoms. By focusing on spinal realignment and overall spinal health, chiropractic care can often provide significant relief and improved function without resorting to more invasive interventions such as surgery or long-term medication use.
Book Your Appointment Today!
With your Noblesville Chiropractor at Anchor Health Chiropractic, you can overcome herniated disc pain and get back to your regular activities. Don’t wait to seek out the help and care you deserve! Book your appointment today.
