Herniated Disc Symptoms: Why You May Need to See a Chiropractor

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a common spine injury. It occurs when the rubbery disc between the vertebrae in your spine ruptures or tears. This can cause the inner gel-like substance to leak out and press on the spinal nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.

Most herniated discs occur in the lower back but can also happen in the neck or other parts of the spine. The good news is that most herniated discs can be treated without surgery. Chiropractic care is often an effective treatment for herniated discs. Chiropractors use various techniques to relieve pressure on the nerves and help heal the disc.

Common symptoms of a herniated disc

You may wonder what symptoms you should expect if you have a herniated disc. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a herniated disc:

1. Pain: You may experience pain in your back or neck and radiating pain down your arms or legs. This pain can range from mild to severe.

2. Numbness: A herniated disc can compress nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in your extremities.

3. Muscle weakness: If the muscles surrounding the affected disc are weakened, you may have difficulty moving or lifting things.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a chiropractor who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

When to see a chiropractor for help

If you have pain in your lower back that radiates down your leg, it could be a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like centre of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer and irritates the nearby nerve root. This can cause severe pain.

You may need to see a chiropractor if you have a herniated disc. Chiropractors are trained to treat conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including the spine. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to relieve pain and improve function.

A chiropractor may be able to help you if you have a herniated disc. If you have severe pain or other symptoms, such as numbness or weakness, that don't improve with home treatment, make an appointment with your doctor.

How chiropractors treat herniated discs

If you have a herniated disc, you should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to treat herniated discs and can relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with this condition.

During your appointment, the chiropractor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Once they have diagnosed a herniated disc, they will develop a treatment plan for you.

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and help you return to normal activity levels. The chiropractor may use various techniques, including manual adjustments, spinal decompression, or electrical stimulation. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise or weight loss, to help reduce the risk of future episodes.

Conclusion

If you've been experiencing pain in your lower back or legs, it could be a sign of a herniated disc. While herniated discs can often heal independently, severe cases may require treatment from a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to treat herniated discs by realigning the spine and reducing the pressure on the affected disc. In some cases, they may also recommend exercises or stretches to help speed up the healing process. If you're unsure whether a herniated disc is causing your pain, it's always best to consult with a medical professional. They can perform tests and give you a definitive answer.

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