Demystifying Herniated Discs: Everything You Need to Know

Have you been experiencing back pain that just won’t go away? Perhaps you’ve been experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities? You might be wondering if a herniated disc is the culprit. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about herniated discs, including what they are, how they happen, and whether or not you might be suffering from this condition. So let’s get started!

What is a herniated disc?

Before we delve into the causes of herniated discs, let’s first define what they are. Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc is a condition that occurs when the soft, jelly-like substance in the center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer of that disc. This can result in pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas.

A herniated disc occurs when one of the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae in your spine slips out of place, putting pressure on nearby nerves. A herniated disc can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. In severe cases, it may even affect bladder and bowel control. Age-related wear and tear on the spine is the most common cause of herniated discs, but other factors such as heavy lifting, twisting, and sudden blows also contribute to the condition.

How do herniated discs happen?

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a herniated disc. Most commonly, they occur as a result of age-related degeneration of the discs, which can lead to weakening of the outer layer and eventual tearing. Herniated discs can also be caused by injury, such as from a fall or a car accident. In some cases, simply lifting heavy objects incorrectly can cause a herniated disc to occur.

Herniated discs occur when the soft material inside the disc (nucleus pulposus) leaks through the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This can happen due to age-related degeneration of the spine, where the discs become less flexible and more prone to tearing. Injuries, such as sudden twists or trauma to the back, can also cause herniated discs. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and being overweight, can increase your risk of developing herniated discs.

Do I have a herniated disc?

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the affected disc and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, lower back, buttocks, legs or feet. If you think you might be suffering from a herniated disc, it’s important to seek care from a trained wellness professional immediately. A wellness expert, such as a chiropractor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or medical doctor can perform tests to determine if a herniated disc is the cause of your symptoms.

Our talented team of Redefine Your Spine, led by Dr. Jacob Goldberg, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating herniated discs using non-invasive techniques – this may include a physical assessment, or a series of x-rays or other tests to determine how the bones and joints are reflecting the injury.

How can I treat a herniated disc?

Treatment for a herniated disc typically involves a combination of therapies aimed at relieving pain and reducing pressure on affected nerve roots. These may include rest, over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases.

At Redefine Your Spine, we use non-invasive chiropractic techniques to alleviate the pain associated with herniated discs and treat the issue at the root. This powerful type of care can often negate the need for pain medications, which only cover symptoms, as well as prevent the need for future surgeries.

Chiropractic BioPhysics®, in particular, is a gentle, non-invasive form of care that uses a combination of spinal adjustments, traction, and other techniques to realign your spine and reduce pressure on affected nerve roots.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disk?

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the herniated disc. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. If the herniated disc is in your lower back, the pain may radiate down your leg and into your foot. If it’s in your neck, you may experience pain in your shoulder or arm. In severe cases, herniated discs can cause bowel or bladder dysfunction due to the way they impede important nerve signals from traveling correctly along the central nervous system.

How Can Redefine Your Spine Help You?

At Redefine Your Spine, we use traditional chiropractic and Chiropractic BioPhysics® techniques to alleviate the symptoms of herniated discs without surgery. Our non-invasive techniques allow us to encourage the disc to move back into its proper position, reducing pressure on the nerves. We also provide guidance on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to support long-term spinal health. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to suit your unique needs and circumstances.

Herniated Disc Treatment in Carrollwood, FL

If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, it’s important to seek out professional help. At Redefine Your Spine, we are dedicated to helping our patients feel better and get back to their lives as quickly as possible. Whether you require traditional chiropractic treatment and/or spinal remodeling techniques like Chiropractic BioPhysics®, our team is here to help. Don’t let back pain hold you back any longer – make an appointment with us today!