A herniated or bulging disc refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (discs) that sit between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine. A spinal disc has a soft, jellylike center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes referred to as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, a herniated disc occurs when some of the soft jelly pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior.
As you age, your spinal discs lose some of their water content, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. Sometimes, using your back muscles instead of your leg and thigh muscles to lift heavy objects can lead to a herniated disc, as can twisting and turning while lifting.
Several other factors could increase your risk of developing a herniated disc. For instance, being overweight can put added stress on the discs in your lower back. If you have a physically demanding job that requires a lot of lifting, you're at a higher risk. Additionally, certain genetic factors also play a significant role, as herniated discs can sometimes run in families.
The signs and symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the location and size of the herniation. If you have a herniated lumbar disc, you may feel pain in your lower back, buttocks, thigh, calf, and even your foot. If the herniation occurs in your neck, you're likely to experience pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain may increase when you cough, sneeze or move your spine in certain ways.
You may also experience numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves. Weakness in the muscles served by the affected nerves can also occur, causing you to stumble or impairing your ability to lift or hold items.
As a non-invasive and drug-free alternative, chiropractic care has been found to be highly effective in treating herniated or bulging discs. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to ensure proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine. This enables the body to heal itself without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support. Chiropractors may also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation into the treatment plan. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of injury, in addition to back pain relief
At Summit Medical Care Center, we have an experienced team of professionals who can help manage and treat Herniated/Bulging Discs. We offer comprehensive care that includes chiropractic treatments and pain management strategies. Our specialists tailor treatment plans to meet the individual needs and health goals of each patient. With our patient-centered approach, we aim to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance the quality of life for our patients. Schedule an appointment today!