Between each of the vertebra in your spine are soft cushions called discs, which provide stability and allow for a wide range of motion in all directions. We have 23 of these discs, and all of them can be injured, especially when they start to lose their strength and elasticity. One of the most common back injuries is called a disc herniation, or disc bulge, and it results when some of that soft material leaks out and touches the nerve root.
You might suspect a disc herniation if you feel numbness, tingling, or weakness along with pain in your back. If a disc herniates in the lower part of the spine, you might feel pain down your sciatic nerve into the back of your leg. If the herniated disc is located in the upper part of the spine, the pain might radiate from the spine and through an arm.
The most common cause of a herniated disc, or disc bulge, is bending forward while twisting. This particular motion is responsible for a large percentage of these injuries.
If you’ve suffered a herniated disc, chiropractic care can help with the pain. We use a flexion-distraction table to decompress the spine while performing adjustments. This allows more fluid into the disc, helping it to heal properly. And, of course, the goal is to reduce your pain.
You can avoid disc herniation by practicing good posture, especially while sitting at a desk or driving. Avoiding high heeled shoes, and getting regular chiropractic adjustments can also help to protect you.
If you’ve suffered a disc herniation, or suspect that you’ve injured yourself this way, call our office to set up an appointment. We can get you more comfortable and help you heal more quickly, with chiropractic adjustments tailored to your needs.