Are You Suffering with a Herniated Disc?
Tons of people walk around suffering extreme pain and weakness in the legs and lower extremities. Many of these people are diagnosed with having a herniated disc. This may leave them wondering what exactly is a herniated disc, and how does the doctor know for sure that I have one?
An intervertebral disc is made up of an outer, fibrous ring, and a central soft portion. The disc itself receives nourishment through the motion of the vertebrae above and below it moving and "squishing" the blood and fluids through the disc. If this movement does not occur, the outer ring can dry and tear which allows the soft portion of the disc to bulge out. This is what is commonly known as a herniated disc. (Also called a slipped disc, bulging disc, disc protrusion, etc.)
In some instances the herniated disc may be positioned in the body where it does not apply extra pressure on a spinal nerve and therefore the patient will not feel pain. Most of the time however, the bulged disc will put tension on a spinal nerve and cause an inflammatory reaction. This is where the pain comes in and where a chiropractor is fully equipped to help.
Understanding Subluxation
Another term important to understand in the diagnosis of a herniated disc is subluxation. Subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position. The result can be a herniated disc. If this creates pressure on spinal nerves, problems will result. This pressure or irritation on the nerves causes the nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.
Symptoms can be one or more of the following:
Pain spreading over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh and into the calf Pain may be in one leg (more common) or both legs Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both arms In severe cases inability to find comfort lying down Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain Bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
Treatment
If subluxation is the problem, then a chiropractor is the one to see. Chiropractors are strategically trained to locate subluxations and correct or greatly inhibit their side effects. Through a series of spinal adjustments a chiropractor can successfully correct vertebral subluxations in the spine and enable the body to heal itself. Chiropractors are trained in treatments that will allow the herniated disc to decompress and heal.
Get an Evaluation at the First Sign of Trouble
Is it ever Too Late to See a Chiropractor?
The best thing to do is set up an appointment for a chiropractic evaluation so that an early diagnosis may be made. If you are in fact suffering from a herniated disc, the chiropractic approach is a fantastic way to reduce your pain and begin to have a healthier spine.
What a chiropractor can do is begin to give specific treatments tailored to your spine that immediately address subluxations and herniated discs. They can inform you of proper ways to treat your spine and with regular adjustments can offer extended, drug free pain management that allows you the healthier future you deserve. - 16004
Tons of people walk around suffering extreme pain and weakness in the legs and lower extremities. Many of these people are diagnosed with having a herniated disc. This may leave them wondering what exactly is a herniated disc, and how does the doctor know for sure that I have one?
An intervertebral disc is made up of an outer, fibrous ring, and a central soft portion. The disc itself receives nourishment through the motion of the vertebrae above and below it moving and "squishing" the blood and fluids through the disc. If this movement does not occur, the outer ring can dry and tear which allows the soft portion of the disc to bulge out. This is what is commonly known as a herniated disc. (Also called a slipped disc, bulging disc, disc protrusion, etc.)
In some instances the herniated disc may be positioned in the body where it does not apply extra pressure on a spinal nerve and therefore the patient will not feel pain. Most of the time however, the bulged disc will put tension on a spinal nerve and cause an inflammatory reaction. This is where the pain comes in and where a chiropractor is fully equipped to help.
Understanding Subluxation
Another term important to understand in the diagnosis of a herniated disc is subluxation. Subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position. The result can be a herniated disc. If this creates pressure on spinal nerves, problems will result. This pressure or irritation on the nerves causes the nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.
Symptoms can be one or more of the following:
Pain spreading over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh and into the calf Pain may be in one leg (more common) or both legs Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both arms In severe cases inability to find comfort lying down Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain Bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
Treatment
If subluxation is the problem, then a chiropractor is the one to see. Chiropractors are strategically trained to locate subluxations and correct or greatly inhibit their side effects. Through a series of spinal adjustments a chiropractor can successfully correct vertebral subluxations in the spine and enable the body to heal itself. Chiropractors are trained in treatments that will allow the herniated disc to decompress and heal.
Get an Evaluation at the First Sign of Trouble
Is it ever Too Late to See a Chiropractor?
The best thing to do is set up an appointment for a chiropractic evaluation so that an early diagnosis may be made. If you are in fact suffering from a herniated disc, the chiropractic approach is a fantastic way to reduce your pain and begin to have a healthier spine.
What a chiropractor can do is begin to give specific treatments tailored to your spine that immediately address subluxations and herniated discs. They can inform you of proper ways to treat your spine and with regular adjustments can offer extended, drug free pain management that allows you the healthier future you deserve. - 16004
About the Author:
Dr. Robert D. Walcher D.C. is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West located in San Jose, California. He is a member of The Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and speaks throughout the community. Are you ready to feel better and to enjoy optimum health? To visit Dr. Walcher CLICK HERE
