A herniated disc is a condition commonly treated by chiropractors. This injury often responds well to chiropractic treatment, and to avoid medications and their side effects, it is recommended that you make an appointment sooner rather than later at our Atlanta chiropractic clinic to prevent the need for those medications.
What is a Herniated Disc?
When the outer area of the vertebral disc tear, a herniation occurs. This tearing results in the inner space of the disc to protrude through the tough exterior. Other names for this condition can be called ruptured or slipped discs. The herniation causes the nerves to be compressed around the drive resulting in pain.
What Causes Herniation?
Typically, a herniated disc is a result of degeneration, which is the wear and tear that occurs as one age. The discs, when healthy, have moisture around them, and when that moisture is lost, they become less flexible and more prone to damage, such as tears and ruptures. Those who are overweight, lifting incorrectly, have a physically demanding job is often more likely to develop this condition.
Symptoms
Although this may seem like a painful condition, many are unaware that their discs are herniated. Some, however, when progressed, further begin to feel pain in their buttocks, hips, thighs, and calves. If the herniation occurs in the cervical vertebrae, the pain will most likely be felt in the shoulders and arms.
When to Seek Treatment
If you begin to experience back pain, your first appointment may be with your primary doctor. At this appointment, they may order diagnostic testing to determine that there is a herniation present. Medication may be suggested; however, medication cannot treat the underlying cause of your pain. You may also experience numbness and tingling, depending on where the herniation occurs.
A chiropractor can assess the injury, formulate a plan, and begin to provide you with the relief you need from your symptoms, all while treating the underlying cause for the pain. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to help slow or avoid future degeneration.
At our Atlanta chiropractors pride themselves on individualized treatment plans for all of our patients to give them the best chance at a full recovery. We know that every patient is different, so therefore each treatment plan will be customized to meet those needs. Contact us today at (404) 889-8828 to schedule an appointment.