Herniated Disc Treatment In Bellevue,WA
Get treated for pain due to Herniated Disc by award winning Bellevue chiropractic doctors.
Herniated Disc Specialist
A herniated disc is a condition that can occur anywhere along the spine. It most often affects either the lower back or neck region. Herniated discs most commonly happen due to overuse injuries or trauma to the spine; however, they can also develop from aging.
Chiropractors’ expertise in the spine and other joints allows them to treat a disc protrusion or herniated disc. In this article, we’ll explain what causes herniated discs, common symptoms, and how chiropractic care can help alleviate pain.
Alleviate your pain due to herniated disc
What Is A Herniated Disc?
Our spinal discs have a significant role to play. These are located between the vertebrae and make up the entire spine. It is a condition that refers to a problem with a rubbery disc between the spinal bones. Their role is to absorb the shock, help with movement, and support the whole upper body. They have a jellylike soft center (nucleus) with a tough exterior (annulus).
If one of the discs leaks or herniates some of the material inside, it can immediately affect the nearby nerves and cause back pain, this is a herniated disc.
Types Of Herniated Disc
Multiple types of herniated discs exist. Depending on the damage, material leakage, and pressure on the nerves and spine, these types will vary. Some of them include:
- Herniation occurs when the disc is pushed outward, much further than a healthy disc. The moment the disc is displaced, the inside material will start to leak.
- Disc Protrusion is a condition in which the ligaments have not been hurt; however, they will form an outflow on the outside that will trigger the nerves. This protrusion can maintain its form, or it can progress in disc extrusion and sequestration.
- Disc Prolapse is the type of herniated disc that happens when the intervertebral disc’s outer fibers get hurt. At that moment, the material inside the disc breaks from its enclosed space.
Symptoms Of Herniated Disc
Depending on the location of the damaged disc, the symptoms will vary. Patients can experience:
- Pain
- Muscle weakness
- Leg numbness
- Uncomfortable tingling
- Discomfort
- Muscle spasms
For example, if the nerve tissues have been hurt or irritated, the pain can feel progressively worse. If a massive section of the surrounding disc tissue is pressing against the spinal nerves, patients can experience immediate shooting pain on the side of the body.
For disc herniation between the 4th and 5th cylindrical bones in the vertebrae, the pain can radiate to the legs and buttocks.
Causes Of Herniated Disc
This health problem can occur when the outer ring is torn or weakened, forcing the inner section to come out. Since the disc looks as if it has slipped out of space, it is often called a slipped disc.
This could be the result of:
- Disc Degeneration
- Old age
- Specific motions
- Lift heavy objects can lead to a herniated disc
The older we get, the more likely we are to experience a slipped disc. The reason for that is relatively simple. With age, the discs lose their protective water and become more vulnerable to injury. Therefore, they can easily slip. Specific motions like lifting, twisting, turning can put a lot of pressure on the back, resulting in a herniated disc. The same results apply to overweight individuals. The muscles become much weaker, and they can’t handle the upper body. So, walking and sitting become physically demanding and increases the risk for this medical problem.
Treatment For Herniated Disc
Chiropractic care is an effective and safe method for treating this health problem. It doesn’t involve any surgical procedures, invasive treatments, or drugs.
Instead, chiropractors will use special pelvic blocking techniques to alleviate pain and discomfort. Slipped discs can improve with chiropractic adjustments just three months after treatment. Depending on how effective the treatment is for the patient, gentle exercises could be included.
Long Term Problems Due To Untreated Herniated Disc
A slipped disc is a severe health problem. If patients don’t get adequate treatment, it could turn into a major health complication.
The more the disc presses the nerves, the higher the chance of losing bowel and bladder control. In some cases, it can even lead to partial paralysis, particularly when the disc impacts the nerves of the lower limbs.
Temporary Pain Relief For Herniated Disc
Not everyone will react the same way for herniated disc pain relief. Various treatments will have different effects. Depending on the severity of the problem, it can take some trial and error to find what suits you best.
But, in general, it can be a good idea to:
- Try hot/cold treatment
- Do low-impact exercises
- Change the sleeping position
Hot/cold therapy is a great way to soothe the pain and relieve muscle tension. The heat can help with the spasms and tight muscles, but it’s mainly used for boosting blood flow and restoring elasticity to the tissues. The cold is like an analgesic, and it reduces pain and inflammation.
Low-impact exercises can also do the trick. Anything from walking to cycling can reduce the load on the spinal discs and help them function better. The sleeping position also matters. Try to find the best sleeping position that won’t aggravate the herniated disc.
Awards & Recognitions | Bellevue Chiropractic
Verified Reviews | Bellevue Chiropractic
Book An Appointment | Bellevue Chiropractic
Request an appointment online by calling us on (425) 6370094 or by using booking tool below
How Do We Treat Herniated Disc?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does medical insurance cover herniated disc treatment?
Many insurance companies will completely or partially deny any back injuries that include a herniated disc. Since this kind of treatment can be costly, especially if you have to pay benefits, most insurance companies will not cover the treatment.
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
Usually, it will, but if the damage is more serious, it will need treatment.
How do you lay down with a slipped disc?
Try to carefully lay on the back first, and then roll over to the side. Curl the torso and move the knees toward the chest. This will soothe the tension and help you relax.
How long does it take for a herniated disc to reabsorb?
In most patients, it will take six months to 1 year before the herniated disc material dissolve. The bigger the herniation, the quicker the reabsorption.
What exercises should I avoid with a herniated disc?
It’s best to avoid squats, leg presses, deadlifts, hamstring stretches, toe touches, or anything similar.
Is heat good for bulging disc?
If you experience any tightness, spasms, or you want to boost the blood flow, you can use heat therapy.
How painful is a herniated disc?
The pain is often accompanied by a feeling of tingling, numbness, burning, and sharp sensations. It can be really painful.
