Herniated discs can be incredibly uncomfortable and can even lead to substantial permanent damage. When you experience a herniated disc, it will be important to work with an expert to restore the problem. At Elevate Wellness Chiropractic, our experts are dedicated to providing the services that are necessary in restoring the health of your spine. Here are a few important things that you should know about herniated discs.
Discs
There are discs all throughout your spine. They range from your neck all the way down through your spine, though herniated discs are more common in the lower back. These discs serve to cushion the bones in the spine in order to prevent damage. This helps protect the spine by absorbing shocks that regularly occur to your spine from daily activities, such as walking or running.
The 2 Components of a Disc
Each disc in your spine consists of two parts, an inner part and an outer part. The inner portion is soft and gelatinous, serving to absorb shock. Then the disc has a tough outer ring to help protect this inner portion.
What are Herniated Discs?
Herniated discs occur when the inner part of the disc is able to protrude through the outer portion, leaving it vulnerable. This may be caused by injury or weakness. A herniated disc tends to result in a substantial amount of pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs
There are several symptoms of herniated discs that you should be aware of. If you notice these symptoms, you will need to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment to restore your health. Herniated discs often result in pain and numbness, often on a single side of the body. They may also cause pain that will worsen at night or while you are walking or standing. Herniated discs can cause muscles to weaken inexplicably. They also often result in sensations of tingling, burning, or aching in the affected area.
Common Causes
There are several common causes of herniated discs. Understanding these causes may help you to identify a herniated disc when you experience. Age often enables the outer layer to weaken, which allows the inner portion to protrude through. Certain movements and improper lifting strategies may also cause a herniated disc. Excess weight is another factor that contributes to herniated discs, because the extra weight will place more strain on your spine.
Treatment
The appropriate treatment will depend on your exact situation. Herniated discs can cause permanent nerve damage, so it is important to ensure you have them treated properly. In some cases, a herniated disc can be resolved with effective exercise to strengthen the area, as well as a physical therapy regimen. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the herniated disc.
At Elevate Wellness Chiropractic, we offer an array of services to help protect the health of your spine. When you are experiencing pain in your back, you will often benefit from visiting our office for the appropriate diagnosis. To learn more about our chiropractic services, contact us at Elevate Wellness Chiropractic today!