Herniated Disc Treatment and Causes
With advancements in modern spinal decompression, herniated disc treatment and the healing of a bulging disc is not only possible, but very effective as an FDA approved therapy.
The spine is a column of bones protected by rounded gel-like cushions in between them. These gel-like cushions contain a hard outer layer and a nucleus. The annulus (outer layer) and the nucleus form the disc. When a fragmentation or tear occurs, it can be pushed out of its outer layer. This bulge causes damage to the spinal nerves that surround the spine, causing pain.
Pain due to a bulging disc can be felt in the cervical or lumbar region. A bulging disc is unable to perform its function which is to act as a shock absorber within the spine. The herniation can cause pain ranging from mild to severe.
Signs and Symptoms
The level of pain caused by a bulging disc varies; it depends where it is located and how large the herniation is. But most herniations occur in the lumbar spine. It is common to have pain regardless of where the bulge is since it may press into the nerves surrounding it.
Some pain is not felt at all if the injury is not pressing on any nerves. At times, there is only mild back pain. Pain can be temporary, or episodal. Disruption on the nerves, especially if the bulge is bigger, will cause radiating pain.
Typically, a herniated disc may be suspected if any of the following is experienced:
- Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
- Numbness of the back, buttock, leg, or foot
- Tingling sensation
- Low back pain
- Sharp pain in the neck, shoulder blade, arms or fingers
Causes
The material that envelopes the disc is subject to wear and tear. An injury for example, may tear a disc and cause it to bulge. Age related injuries also may cause a loss of elasticity. This occurrence is more of a natural degeneration process since the twisting and strain causes the ligaments to weaken.
The reasons behind this vulnerability is varied. It can happen to anyone and can occur to different locations of the spine. Genetic causes are also a root cause.
Causes for a herniation could be any of the following:
- Spinal Wear and Tear
- Awkward movement and body twist while lifting heavy objects
- Lifting of heavy objects
- Being overweight or obese
- Injuries from accidents
Non-Surgical Solutions for Herniated and Bulging Discs
Spinal realignment through gentle stimulation of the soft tissue helps to promote fluid movement into your discs and achieve fast healing. If you suffer from a bulging disc, spinal decompression is the most progressive and effective solution for your pain relief.
The first step, is to do an evaluation of the affected region with postural analysis and x-rays. We do suggest if you have previous MRI’s to bring them with you to your appointment at our office. With this evaluation, the doctor can put together a custom plan to resolve your pain.
One procedure performed at SWC is NUCCA care, a gentle and safe spinal treatment. Due to the gentleness of this adjustment, such as no twisting or popping, we can safely adjust a person with spinal herniations.
The next procedure performed in our office that is commonly used with disc injury is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. For non-surgical spinal decompression at Spine Wellness Center we use the DRX-9000 machine. The DRX-9000 is a gentle device that helps to relieve the pressure on the spinal disc creating a vacuum phenomenon that allows the disc to hydrate. During a non-surgical spinal decompression session, many of our patients will get so relaxed that they take a nap.
If the doctor decides you are a candidate for either or both procedures, be sure to know both procedures are done right in our office.
Get well on our exclusive Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and NUCCA treatments!
Talk to our experts today! Our office can be reached at 702-433-8333. Dial now!