Norfolk Chiropractor Discuses Disc Bulges and Herniations

Disc bulges and herniations are quite common. The intervertebral disc maintains the space between each vertebra and naturally wears with age. They can begin to have degenerative changes sooner in people who have had trauma, such as a car accident, or those who repetitively use their body or lift with improper technique. Symptoms of disc bulges or herniations can range from no pain at all to extreme pain with arm or leg symptoms. If the disc bulge or herniation causes pressure on a nerve root or the spinal canal, typically arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness can be present. If there is significant pressure on a nerve for too long, long term effects such as weakness and numbness can be permanent.

This is typically a small percentage of disc cases, and as chiropractic physicians we are trained to determine if you need to consult with a surgeon, or if conservative treatment is best. Chiropractic care can help with a disc problems. Chiropractic spinal manipulation has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective tool in the management of disc problems, especially when combined with therapeutic exercise.

In most circumstances, spine surgery and injections are not necessary in the management of disc problems-and they often cause more problems than they’re worth. If you think that you may be having a disc problem, a chiropractor can perform an evaluation and order tests if needed. Most disc problems are easily treated with conservative interventions. Early in the course of an acute injury, your doctor of chiropractic will likely use several different physical modalities to control pain.

Other steps that you can take to ensure that you get back to feeling well include: using both ice and heat as they have shown effectiveness in managing the pain of acute low-back injury, and getting back on your feet and moving as this can be very critical. Typically, the less time you spend in bed, the better off you are. If you “baby” your back, in most cases, the long-term results will be worse.

For more information about chiropractic care visit A Center For Chiropractic & Alternative Medicine, P.C.