What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Have you been experiencing back or leg pain? Chances are, you have a herniated disc. A herniated disc can also be referred to as a bulging disc, ruptured disc, or a slipped disc. All refer to when the soft spongy material between vertebrae along your spine bulges out and puts pressure or pinches the nerves. Herniated discs can happen in an accident or even falling. They may also occur from repetitive straining on the spine.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs
The type of pain you may experience varies. It can feel like an electrical shock that travels down your arms or legs depending on where the disc is herniated. It could be down your arms if the disc is herniated in your neck or down your legs if the herniated disc is located in your lower back. You may also experience tingling or numbness or pins and needles. With the nerve being pinched, the signals from the brain my be hampered and cause muscle weakness as well. Pain may increase after being active and decrease when you are resting. Sneezing, coughing, or sitting for long periods of time can also aggravate the herniated disc. As you get older, the disc that cushions between your vertebrae begins to break down and lose some of its padding.
Diagnoses
The most common way to diagnose a herniated disc is MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging). Radio waves and a strong magnetic field are used to create images of your body’s internal structures. MRIs can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected. Often before having an MRI done, you may have an X-ray done on the area to rule out other possible causes such as a tumor or fracture.
Treatment
It is possible for the pain associated with your herniated disc could go away on its own. In the meantime, make sure you are resting. Rest can relieve possible swellings and give your back time to heal. Avoiding activities that require you to bend or lift. Bed rest for a day or two is a good idea but it isn’t recommended longer than that. You want to make sure that you are moving so that your joints and muscles do not get stiff. Alternating between ice packs and heat or using which one feels best could help relieve pain.
Chiropractic Treatment
Your chiropractor will do a thorough exam that may include an X-ray or MRI. The exam may including checking reflexes, range of motion, weakness, or loss of feeling along the nerve of the possible herniated disc. The chiropractor will check not just the location of your pain but your whole spine. This is because one area that is in pain can cause issues in other parts of your spine.
Once your chiropractor has a diagnoses, he will develop a personalized treatment plan. This could include flexion and distraction techniques, spinal manipulation, as well as diet and exercise tips. Remember that chiropractic care is a whole body treatment and isn’t always a quick fix solution.