The spine’s discs are the structures between each vertebra. Their primary function is to cushion movement and provide flexibility to the vertebrae while walking, running, stretching, and more. However, a disc can become herniated or ruptured and cause discomfort and pain by pressing on a nearby nerve. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, with an office that serves the greater Nitro area, can offer relief if you experience one or more symptoms of a herniated disc.
Potential Herniated Disc Symptoms
If you herniate your disc, your symptoms will likely vary from someone else’s. These herniation symptoms typically depend on the spinal location and the intensity of the compression on the nerves generating the symptoms. Some people may only experience mildly irritating symptoms and only learn they have a disc issue from a doctor reviewing an image taken for another medical purpose. Typical symptoms of a slipped or herniated disc include the following -
- Varying Levels of Pain
- While pain is the most common herniated disc symptom, it can remain localized to travel down the extremity along the nerve’s path.
- Prolonged sitting, bending, or lifting may aggravate/intensify the issue, but lying in a prone position may provide relief.
- Muscle Weakness
Nerve pressure can weaken muscles, influencing your ability to move or engage in activities or sports.
- Tingling/Numbness
Compressed nerves have the potential to generate tingling (a.k.a. pins and needles) or numbness.
- Reflex Changes
At times, a disc that has become herniated may influence your reflexes. This ultimately may cause a diminished capacity.
Herniated Disc Treatment Options
Our chiropractor provides these options that can help treat the symptoms of a herniated disc -
Spinal Adjustments
These chiropractic manipulations seek to reduce nerve pressure by realigning the spine and releasing the impacted joint.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy
This complementary therapy can help mitigate pain as it helps to relax the muscles impacted by the herniation.
Soft Tissue Techniques
Therapies such as massage contribute to easing muscle tension in the vicinity of a herniated disc, helping to relax muscles further.
Therapeutic Exercises
Exercise, which can manage current symptoms and prevent future events, can be prescribed to help strengthen the muscles and support proper posture.
In addition, Dr. J can help you understand how your lifestyle choices can help avoid a re-occurrence of a future event. This may include selecting appropriate ergonomic devices, proper lifting, and more.
Contact a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Near You
If you experience persistent back pain or suspect disc degeneration, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center staff at 304-776-1520 online.
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