Suffering from a herniated disc can cause intense pain that requires medical treatment and chiropractic care. This disc injury strains surrounding nerves and the spinal cord, causing pain. Seeing a chiropractor can provide non-invasive treatment methods to help reduce the pain and assist the disc in healing and becoming less inflamed. The chiropractors at True Wellness Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, IN, can help treat herniated disc pain using methods to help reduce the need for patients to take addictive pain medications.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is a problem with one of the rubbery cushions that sit between the bones in the spinal column. This material has a soft, jelly-like center encased in a tough exterior, which when damaged, can swell putting pressure on the spine and surrounding nerves. This condition can occur in any part of the spine but most commonly occurs in the back's lumbar (lower) region. A herniated disc can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms or the legs.
Though most patients with a herniated disc experience pain, some do not experience any symptoms. For those who suffer from herniated disc pain, the symptoms tend to improve over time, and surgery is typically unnecessary to treat or resolve the problem.
What causes a herniated disc?
Various things can cause a herniated disc, including altered posture or structure, age-related wear and tear, auto accident, slip and falls, and some medical conditions. In addition, some people have ruptured or torn the outside layer of the disc from straining or twisting when moving, bending, and improperly lifting.
What are some risk factors leading to a herniated disc?
Some people are at greater risk of developing a herniated disc than others, including those with health conditions, strenuous jobs, and levels of activity in their lives. Common risk factors among those who experience herniated disc conditions include having excess body weight, a physically demanding job, or conditioning repetitive movements that strain and stress the spine. In addition, people who find they frequently drive or remain sedentary for extended periods can lead to developing a herniated disc. Additionally, smoking can increase the risk of developing this condition.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor in Fort Wayne, IN
If you suffer from pain associated with a herniated disc, do not wait to start treatment, including spinal decompression, a commonly used disc injury treatment method. Seeing a chiropractor at True Wellness Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, IN, can help ease the pain associated with this condition. Call our office today and see if treatments such as spinal decompression can help treat your symptoms related to a disc injury.