Chiropractic Treatment for a Herniated Disc

Vertebral discs are tiny but essential parts of our spine. There are many reasons why the vertebral disc may herniate and swell and cause a lot of pain and decreased mobility. Instead of treating your condition with pain medications and home remedies or committing to painful surgery, consider the benefits of chiropractic treatment for a herniated disc.

At Rushmore Family Chiropractic, we welcome patients of all ages who experience low back pain, neck pain, or muscle weakness. Our chiropractors keep up with the latest methods and techniques in the industry to offer the best care and help patients get back to their day-to-day activities.

Understanding Bulging and Herniated Disc

A bulging disc happens when a disc bulges outside its space, resulting in severe pain in the low back. Although there is no rupture, the patient can experience dysfunction due to the abnormal movement of the spinal segments.

A herniated disc is a more severe condition and happens when there is damage to the outer cartilage layer. The inner layer, or the jelly-like center, protrudes out, causing pressure in the lower back and acute pain. If the disc reaches all the way to the spinal nerves it can cause numbness, tingling and/or weakness down the leg or arm.

Whether a disc is herniated or bulging, you should consult with a professional who can suggest a suitable treatment to relieve your pain. Surgical treatment is not always the best solution for a herniated disc. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive approach. With the right therapy plan, patients can restore their movement and flexibility in no time.

Common Causes of Herniated Disc

A herniated disc may result from an injury or natural wear and tear that comes with age. Children and young adults have vertebral discs with high liquid content, but over time, this decreases, causing the disc to shrink and resulting in pain and other symptoms.

Some of the common causes of a herniated disc include:

  • Improper lifting
  • Physical trauma
  • Repetitive motion
  • Staying in a seated position for a long time

A herniated disc can happen quickly after a sudden movement or injury, but in most cases, discs herniate slowly. Symptoms become more evident and painful, which is when most people decide to seek medical assistance. Some of the common signs that suggest you have a developing problem and need to consider chiropractic treatment for a herniated disc include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling in the legs
  • Changes in bowel function
  • Pain when moving the neck up and down or side to side
  • Numbness in extremities
  • Sciatica
  • Severe pain in limbs
  • Low back pain
  • Inability to stretch

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

During your visit to Rushmore Family Chiropractic, we will conduct a thorough examination of your neck and lower back. We will also discuss your symptoms and medical history to understand your condition and suggest the proper treatment to relieve your pain. Based on the results, our chiropractors may suggest:

Spinal Decompression Technique

We will stretch the spinal column while stimulating your vertebral discs. When the spine is stretched, we can return the disc to its previous condition and remove pressure from the nerves.

Posture Adjustment

Using the pelvic blocking technique, our chiropractors can adjust your posture and lower the pressure on your discs. The method helps to lessen pain, ease inflammation, and stimulate nerve function.

There are also other treatments for reducing the symptoms of herniated or bulging discs, including massages and electric stimulation. Contact Rushmore Family Chiropractic today at (605) 716-0646 to book your chiropractic treatment for a herniated disc.

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