Disc herniation is a common injury impacting the spine. Often caused by disc degeneration in older age, disc herniation is a significant cause of chronic pain for many patients in the U.S. today. Understanding this injury and the potential treatment options available for it can help you preserve the health of your spine.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The spine consists of vertebrae, which are bones that keep the body upright, as well as protect the spinal cord. Discs are located in between each vertebra and function to absorb shock as you move. These discs have a gel-like interior surrounded by a tough exterior and are much like cushions for the spine.
Trauma can cause the exterior portion of a disc to tear. Through this tear, the gel-like interior can protrude out. When this occurs, it’s called a herniated disc. Some people may also call this injury a slipped or ruptured disc.
While disc herniations don’t necessarily cause lower back pain, they may cause intense pain that radiates to other areas of the body. An effective treatment plan can help reduce pain and prevent further disc degeneration, but herniated discs rarely heal completely. Nonetheless, visiting Florida Injury Wellness Center promptly for a herniated disc can help you effectively manage your symptoms.
Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
Since chiropractic care focuses on the spine, it’s a popular treatment option for disc herniation. Experienced chiropractors like Dr. Hancock can implement chiropractic techniques to relieve pressure on the spine, reduce inflammation, and improve range of motion. Over time, chiropractic care can alleviate pain from a herniated disc and reduce the risk of additional damage to the disc.
Chiropractic techniques that may be helpful in disc herniation treatment include:
- Chiropractic adjustment
- DTS spinal decompression
- The Graston Technique
- Pulstar adjusting
Contact Florida Injury & Wellness Center today to schedule an appointment for disc herniation treatment.
