What You Should Know About Slipped Discs
A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, occurs when the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the exterior portion of the disc. A herniated disc may occur in any disc of the spine. Moreover, it's possible that the contents of the disc will irritate a neighboring nerve or the soft tissue nearby.
Typically, a herniated disc occurs when the discs in your back go through age-related changes. As you get older, your discs aren't as flexible as they once were. Basically, your discs become more prone to a herniation.
Sometimes, you'll be able to pinpoint when you herniated a disc, such as when you lifted with your back muscles as opposed to your thigh and leg muscles. You may experience a herniated disc once you turn or twist while you're lifting. Although it's rare, a fall could cause this issue as well.
Symptoms
You may never know you have a herniated disc because it doesn't always cause symptoms. However, the herniated disc may irritate the nearby nerves or soft tissue. In this case, you may have pain. Weakness, numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation are also possible as well.
Depending on the location of the herniated disc, you may experience symptoms that extend throughout your legs or your arms. If the symptoms worsen, they could interfere with your daily life.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
First and foremost, Dr. Keppler at Keppler Chiropractic will want to perform testing to get to the root of your pain. This may include a physical exam, an assessment of your range of motion, and speaking to you about the problem. However, if this isn't enough to diagnose the problem, your chiropractor may recommend imaging to look at your back.
After the diagnostic process, Dr. Keppler may recommend you receive a spinal alignment. During this treatment, your doctor will ask you to lie on a table. Then your spine will be manually moved, so the discs realign with the vertebrae. This can take the pressure off the sensitive discs. In some cases, you may need more than one treatment to see the optimal effects.
Our doctor may also suggest decompression therapy. For this treatment, you'll also be positioned on a table. Dr. Keppler connects you to rigging that slowly moves the vertebrae in your back so they separate from the discs. Ultimately, this takes the pressure off the injured disc, allows it space to heal, and lets blood flow to the area without interruption.
A slipped disc can cause you pain that interferes with your daily life. However, Dr. Keppler can offer natural treatments to help manage your discomfort.
Contact Keppler Chiropractic today at (916) 422-5111 for herniated disc treatment just for you!