A disc herniation occurs when the inner, jelly-like material of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer wall. Disc herniation is a condition that affects the discs in your spine. The discs are the cushions between the vertebrae, and they act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a soft inner core. If the outer layer tears, the inner core can bulge out and press on the nerves nearby. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs or arms.
A disc herniation is also called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc. Disc herniations are fairly common. They often happen when you lift something heavy or put stress on your back. But they can also happen due to aging or wear and tear on the discs. Disc herniations can occur at any age, however, they are most likely to occur in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
The most common symptom of disc herniation is pain. This pain can be either sharp or dull. It may radiate from the affected area and into the legs or arms. Other symptoms may include numbness, weakness, and tingling sensations. If you think you may have a disc herniation, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
What Causes Herniated Disc?
Discs can herniate anywhere along the spine and, as a result, people with certain genes may be more likely to develop these conditions. The condition is typically caused by degeneration over time which weakens ligaments that hold together your spinal cord’s individual segments (discs). This allows for some minor trauma or stretching action throughout daily life – even if you’re otherwise healthy.
In most cases, a herniated disc is the result of a combination of these factors. When a disc becomes herniated, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause paralysis.
What are the Symptoms of Herniated Disc?
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck and other parts of the body. Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the herniation. For example, a herniated disc in the lower back may cause pain that radiates down the leg. A herniated disc in the neck may cause pain that radiates into the arm. Additionally, many people with a herniated disc report experiencing general back pain and muscle spasms.
Common symptoms can include:
- Numbness or tingling: When the disc presses on the spinal nerve, it can cause numbness or tingle along the path of that nerve. This is called paresthesia. These nerves are responsible for relaying messages from the various regions of the body to the brain. This is how we “feel” pain, cold, pressure, etc.
- Muscle weakness: The nerves control the muscle tone in our body. If there is a herniated disc, this can interfere with the messages from the brain to the body, causing a variety of symptoms, including weakness and lack of control in the muscles related to it. This can lead to stumbling when walking and other balance problems that arise.
- Arm or leg pain: Pain in an arm or leg is one of those common symptoms that can be
attributed to a herniated disc. When the disc presses on a spinal nerve, the nerve becomes irritated or overstimulated and you can feel pain anywhere along the path of that nerve.
How can you Avoid Getting a Herniated Disc?
One of the most common causes of back pain is a herniated disc. This occurs when the outer layer of the disc ruptures, allowing the inner gel to leak out. By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent a herniated disc from developing.
- Using Proper Lifting Techniques
Keep your back straight and bend the knees while supporting weight with your legs. Use your strong thigh muscles to help bear down firmly on both feet simultaneously, and lift with your legs, rather than with your back.
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The lower back is a very important area of the body. If you carry extra weight, it puts pressure and stress on this vital region and can lead to pain in other places as well.
- Practicing Good Posture
Good posture is more than just looking confident and standing up straight. It’s about aligning your bones and muscles properly to reduce the strain on your body. You can practice good posture while standing, sitting, and even lying down. One way to do this is to sit up straight, with your chest lifted and shoulders pulled back. A way to practice good posture while lying down is to not twist your hips or spine while you are lying down. When you practice good posture, you’re less likely to suffer from pain in your back, neck, and shoulders.
- Stretching
Keeping your body active and stretching helps keep you healthy. Stretching breaks are especially important if you often sit for long periods of time.
- Exercising Regularly
Focus on strengthening exercises that target your back and abdomen muscles to help support the spine.
Herniated Disc Treatment in Lake Geneva
A herniated disc can be a very painful condition, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help ease the pain and encourage healing. One of the most effective treatments is chiropractic care.
Chiropractors in Lake Geneva use a variety of techniques to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the discs. They may also recommend specific exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.
In some cases, chiropractic care at Spinal Rehabilitation Center in Lake Geneva may combine with other treatments such as spinal decompression therapy. It involves slowly stretching the spine in order to take pressure off of the affected disc. Decompression therapy has been shown to be effective in helping people find relief from herniated discs, and it is helping to prevent the need for surgery in many cases.
With proper treatment, a herniated disc does not have to be a debilitating condition. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, decompression therapy may be the treatment option you have been looking for.
Chiropractic Care for Your Herniated Disc in Lake Geneva
Herniated discs are a common spinal injury, and can cause pain and other problems if left untreated. Chiropractic care at Spinal Rehabilitation Center in Lake Geneva is an effective treatment for herniated discs and may provide relief from symptoms without the need for surgery.
If you are suffering from a herniated disc, it is important to seek chiropractic care as soon as possible. Chiropractors in Lake Geneva use a variety of techniques and therapies to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and reduce inflammation around the disc.
