Herniated Disc Treatment In Murfreesboro
Herniated Disc Treatment
This page covers details about herniated discs, whether cervical, thoracic or lumbar herniations. Our body has soft, gelatinous, rubbery discs between the vertebrae that cushions the intervertebral contact.
When the disc material extends beyond its natural boundary (annulus), a herniated disc results. It is the strong, exterior, resistant annulus that maintains the disc’s shape.
A herniated disc, also called bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out through the torn or ruptured annulus into the spinal canal. Discs that become herniated are in an early stage of degeneration, which occurs over the years as part of the natural aging process.
Symptoms Of Herniated Disc
The most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain. The other symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Abnormal reflexes
- Uncomfortable tingling
- Sensory changes like leg or foot numbness or pins and needles
Types Of Herniated Disc
Depending on the disc’s integrity and whether it is exposed or not, there are three known types of herniated discs:
- Contained discs within an unbroken annular outer ring
- Non-contained discs within a broken but unexposed annular outer ring
- The exposed disc that is not contained within the broken annular outer ring
Herniated discs are also classified into a cervical herniated disc (neck), thoracic herniated disc(mid-back), and lumbar herniated disc (low back) according to their location in the spine.
Causes Of Herniated Disc
The most common causes of herniated discs are aging and injuries.
- Disc degeneration is the result of aging, a natural process of human beings. It happens gradually as the disc’s outer annular rings weaken and the inner gelatinous-aqueous content decreases. This makes the rubbery cushions more fragile and easy to leak.
- Trauma blows or bone fractures and injury to the spinal bones can also result in herniated discs. In this case, the pain appears abruptly, and the damage caused occurs quickly, unlike disc degeneration.
- Lifting heavy objects and some sports can also lead to herniated discs. Increased pressure on the lower back can lead to ruptured discs, causing minor scratches over time.
Long Term Problems Due To Ignoring Herniated Discs
Many problems can result from a bulging disc if it is not treated in time. Examples are walking problems, tingling sensation or loss of feeling in the arms or legs, neck pain, or weakness.
Other nearby tissues such as the bladder, intestines, or reproductive organs can also get affected if the slipped disc touches a nerve. This can lead to incontinence, constipation, or reproductive problems as erection troubles.
Temporary Pain Relief
- The treatment options for temporary pain relief from herniated discs include:
- Strengthening exercises once the pain has diminished
- Alternating hot and cold packs for five minutes, three times per day
- Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAIDs) offer temporary relief
- Physical exercise and a heating pad
- Bed rest while avoiding pressure on the herniated disc
- Being careful of your posture throughout the day
Chiropractic Care For Herniated Discs
Chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-less, and non-surgery manual approach to treating herniated discs. Spinal manipulations help reinforce the spine’s strength by moving the joints and reducing inflammation and pain.
We may offer other treatments like massage therapy and physical therapy if necessary, along with appropriate lifestyle changes.
Herniated Disc Treatment
Treatment options depend upon many different variables specific to the nature of the lumbar disc herniation case. 97% of all disc issues resolve with non-invasive treatments. Surgical intervention is only indicated in extreme circumstances.
- Medical procedures: Therapeutic ultrasound and epidural steroid injection
- Spinal surgery
- Chiropractic Treatment Techniques: Gentle chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, traction, and exercises
How Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro Can Help Treat Patients In Murfreesboro
Only a few cases need surgery; there are non-surgical effective options to manage herniated disc pain. Our specialized chiropractic clinic Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro has the necessary equipment and highly trained specialists to treat and strengthen your back to end that annoying pain.
Book An Appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us on (615) 867-7693
You can also use the online booking tool below
How Do We Treat Herniated Disc?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to claim disability if I have herniated discs?
If the herniated disc is not treated in time, it can lead to the loss of sensation in one or both legs, muscle weakness in both legs and in rare cases even paralysis. This occurs especially when the disc bulges and impacts the spinal cord.
Can I consult a Chiropractor for herniated discs?
Chiropractors are safe for relieving herniated discs. Most disc issues improve with safe, non-invasive and effective therapies such as chiropractic. They focus not only on relieving pain but also on reconnecting the brain-body communication.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Herniated Disc?
Yes, insurance typically covers treatment. Our office will assist you in verifying your insurance benefits.
Is there a quick cure for a herniated disc?
Chiropractic adjustments, heat and cold therapy thrice a day, massages, and letting pain control your activities are usually enough to treat mild or moderate herniated disc pain.
Is walking possible even if I have a herniated disc?
You can walk as long as the injury is mild or moderate. Walking problems appear when a herniated disc compresses the spinal cord causing muscle weakness and atrophy. This is very serious and requires immediate professional care.
What should I avoid doing if I have a herniated disc?
You should avoid any activity that strains your back like:
- Cleaning the house and floors, washing the dishes
- Smoking
- Lying on your stomach
- Sitting on a chair or couch for prolonged periods of time
- Vacuuming
- Lifting boxes or heavy objects
When will I recover if I have a disc herniation?
A herniated disc can take anywhere from a few weeks to months to hel. It depends upon many variables including your overall health, your commitment to follow treatment instructions, and how severe the herniation is. You should not do things like return to work, lift heavy objects, or do household chores. It delays the healing time and worsens the injured disc.
How long will it take to recover from a herniated disc if I don’t have surgery?
Most people do not need surgery to get rid of the pain of a herniated disc. If you rest and follow our recommendations, it is probable that you will have recovered from the herniated disc in about four to eight weeks. Surgery is necessary when non-invasive treatments have failed to help, the pain continues and limits your life.
What will worsen a herniated disc?
A herniated disc can worsen if you do activities that demand back effort or strength, such as lifting heavy objects, strenuous household chores, sitting in a chair for hours, driving, or playing sports.
Is it safe and possible to go to the gym when I have a herniated disc?
You can go to the gym once the pain is under control and you are cleared by your chiropractor or doctor. Eventually, it is necessary to strengthen the back muscles to balance the spine and keep the joints moving. As long as the exercises are gradually increased and guided by a specialist, it is safe to go to the gym.
Learn More
- 3 Phases Of Spine Disc Degeneration And How Chiropractic Care Can Help? Spinal disc degeneration affects the disc between the vertebrates. The condition occurs because of a decline in cushioning or fragmentation of the disc.
- Chiropractor Talks About Bulging Disc Chiropractic treatment guarantees that the disc is appropriately improved back.