What is a Spinal Disc Herniation?

A spinal disc herniation is known as a medical condition that affects the spine due to trauma, lifting injuries, or idiopathic causes, in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an inter-vertebral disc allows the soft, central region to swell out past the damaged outer rings.

What Causes Spinal Disc Herniation?

Under stress, a disc's inner material may budge, which pushes through its tough outer layer.. The whole disc can become distorted in some areas. With an injury, all or part of the core material may push through the outer casing at a weak spot, pressing against surrounding nerves. If the disc is damaged more, it can cause the membrane to completely rupture or tear which can lead to pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that stem from it.

If any nerves experience inflammation or pressure, it can result in extreme pain. In the beginning, you may experience spasms you back or neck which will limit your range of motion greatly. However, if your nerves are involved, it can lead to back pain or sciatica.

Some of the terms generally used to describe the condition include: herniated disc, prolapsed disc, ruptured disc, and slipped disc.

• Herniation - Occurs when a disc wedging narrows nerve openings. Sometimes, symptoms may not be present.
• Protrusion - Similar to a blister, the disc starts to swell where it is the weakest which causes nerve pressure.
• Prolapse - With the cushioning and separating damage due to rupture, movement can be extremely painful.

What are Symptoms of Disc Herniation?

Some of the most common symptoms patients tend to experience include:

• Pain radiating over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh, and into the calf
• Pain may be in one or both legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms
• In severe cases, inability to find comfort even when lying down
• Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without extreme pain
• Bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin

Chiropractic Care can Patients Suffering with Slipped Discs

Chiropractic care has been proven to be one of the best treatment options for slipped discs. Surgery should never be your first option for any kind of condition. Patients can and do recover quicker without resorting to surgery.

Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper range of motion and position of malfunctioning spinal bones, reducing nervous system involvement. If caught before permanent damage, disc tissue commonly return to a more normal size and shape by restoring proper motion and position of affected spinal joints.

---

If you are suffering with painful symptoms from a herniated disc please call our office today at 612-822-0149.