My aching back

If you have ever complained about your neck, back, or leg pain to others, the response most likely would be: “You probably have a slipped disc.” However, this term is actually a misnomer, as the discs in your spine do not slip out of place. Rather, they can bulge, rupture or herniate, causing pressure on the nerves and pain in the affected area.

What are spinal discs?

Spinal discs are soft, gel-like cushions that sit between the bones (vertebrae) of your spine. They act as shock absorbers and allow your spine to bend and twist. Each disc has two parts: a tough outer ring (annulus) and a soft inner core (nucleus).

What causes a disc to herniate?

A disc herniation occurs when the nucleus pushes out through a tear or weakness in the annulus. Imagine a water balloon. The water balloon is the disc, and the water is the nucleus. The balloon’s skin is the annulus. If you poke a hole in the balloon, the water will start to leak out. This is similar to what happens when a disc herniates. The nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. This can happen due to aging, injury, lifting, twisting, or other factors that put stress on the spine.

Chiropractors take a comprehensive approach to managing migraines. By identifying potential triggers and assessing spinal misalignments, they aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors help restore the proper alignment of the spine, which can alleviate nerve irritation and reduce the severity of migraines. They may also provide nutritional advice, recommend specific exercises, and offer relaxation techniques to complement their treatment plan.

What are the symptoms of a disc herniation?

A disc herniation can cause pain and numbness in the area of the spine where it occurs. The pain can also radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs, depending on which nerve is compressed by the herniated disc. Other symptoms may include muscle weakness, tingling or burning sensations. Herniated disks can happen in any part of your spine, they are most common in the lower part of your backbone (the lumbar spine), just above your hips. This pain may spread from your back to your buttocks, thighs, and even to your calves. The pain or discomfort gets worse when you’re being active or even coughing, sneezing, and sitting. As you get older, your disks tend to break down and lose their cushioning making herniated disk more likely.

How is disc herniation diagnosed?

A disc herniation can be diagnosed by a physical examination and medical history. Your doctor or chiropractor may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis and locate the exact position of the herniated disc.

How is a disc herniation treated?

Most cases of disc herniation improve over time with conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, heat, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, injections or surgery are recommended if the symptoms are severe or do not improve with other treatments.

Chiropractic adjustments are a gentle way to realign the spine and reduce pressure on the nerves. This can help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore function.

Stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve flexibility and strength in the muscles around the spine. This can help to support the spine and reduce the risk of further injury.

Ice and heat therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Heat can be applied for 30 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Pain sufferers may take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to relieve pain. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best type of pain medication for you.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to teach patients how to manage their pain and improve their function. Physical therapy and exercises also help strengthen the muscles and improve the posture and flexibility of the spine.

Get it checked out

Do you have a slipped disc? Disc herniation is not really a slipped disc, but it can still cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Take steps to relieve your symptoms and prevent further damage to your spine by understanding what causes it and how to treat it.

See a chiropractor like Chiropractix or another healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and speed up your recovery.