There are many causes of back pain that you may run into in life. The spine can be a delicate structure, and it can affect every system of the body. The spinal column protects the spinal cord. This cord is connected to all of your spinal nerves and is how your brain receives and sends messages from and to the rest of your body. It’s critical to take care of your spine to help keep your entire body healthy. The Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont understands how important the spine is to holistic bodily health. That’s why we’re answering the question; “What is a herniated disc?”
What is a Herniated Disc?
In between the vertebrae of the spine are small, rubbery discs. This disc helps cushion your spine from impacts and is crucial to keep the body moving correctly. If these discs are damaged, it can result in serious problems. The discs themselves have a hard outer casing that protects the soft, gelatinous interior. When you herniate a disc, sometimes called slipping a disc, the outer layer of the disc is damaged or ruptured. Some of the inner substance leaks out through the cracks. The disc bulges and will put pressure on the rest of the spine, causing a variety of symptoms or results from muscle tension, spasms, stomach upset, and constipation all the way to serious pain. In addition, a herniated disc can be a sign of degenerative disc disease and, when caught early, can be effectively treated and rehabilitated through chiropractic. A herniated disc can also result in feelings of numbness or weakness.
Can Chiropractic Help a Herniated Disc?
Chiropractic can help address the symptoms and causes of a herniated disc. They’ll start by determining the extent of damage already done to the disc. The chiropractor will look at your posture, go through various orthopedic and neurologic tests, and might even request an X-ray or an MRI. Once it’s determined where the damage is and how bad it is, the chiropractor can determine exactly what will help the client. In some situations, a chiropractor may recommend that the patient should see a specific medical professional, like a spinal surgeon. However, in most situations, chiropractic can help with the pain that comes with a herniated disc and address the injured area to allow the disc itself to heal properly. In addition, a chiropractor can help a client come up with lifestyle changes to assist their spine and help prevent future injury.
Summary
A herniated disc occurs when a disc in your spine becomes damaged, cracks and swells, or herniates fluid forming a bulge. It can be very painful and cause numbing and weakness in the limbs along with many other symptoms related to nerves being pinched. Chiropractic can help relieve the associated symptoms and help come up with further plans to assist with herniated discs. If you’re interested in seeing a chiropractor or even in a chiropractic adjustment, visit us at one of our offices, in Erie or in Longmont. The Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont treat the body holistically with our award-winning treatment process, in fact, we have been voted “Best of the West” eleven times and our aim is to help your body achieve and maintain optimal performance.
We specialize in treating patients suffering from chronic spinal pain and many other maladies and have helped several patients find relief without needing surgery. If you’d like to learn more about chiropractic care in Longmont or Erie or have questions about what to expect during your first chiropractor visit in Erie or Longmont, call our offices today at 303-828-3000 or 303-772-1950!
