What Is A Herniated Disc?

Are you dealing with spinal pain, numbness, or tingling? It could be a herniated disc.

Your spine is made up of a variety of discs that comprise a hard outer layer and soft middle. As we get older, it’s natural for the spinal discs to experience some wear and tear; however, there are certain injuries, conditions, and other problems that can cause the inside of one or more discs to herniate, or rupture, and protrude through the outer portion of the disc. This is known as a herniated or slipped disc, and our Austin, TX, chiropractor, Dr. Zeke Harkleroad, is here to tell you about the most common symptoms and how chiropractic care could help manage your symptoms.

Do you have a herniated disc?

The symptoms you are experiencing will depend on the location of the herniated disc. Sometimes a herniated disc may be present and you won’t even know it. Other times you will experience pain localized to the area of the herniated disc.

If the herniated disc is severe enough it may cause shooting pains on one side of the body (a problem known as sciatica). If the herniated disc is in the lower back it can also cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates into the legs and gets worse when standing. Large herniated discs can also put pressure on the nerves of the spine and lead to severe pain or weakness in the legs.

How can a chiropractor help me?

When you come in for your first chiropractic visit in Austin we will ask you a series of detailed questions regarding the symptoms you experience, as well as perform a comprehensive physical exam. As a chiropractor we will also look for muscle weakness, loss of sensation or issues with reflexes. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRIs will be necessary to complete your diagnosis.

The type of treatment plan we specifically create for you will have to do with the location and severity of your herniated disc. In most cases, spinal adjustments and spinal decompression are required to help decrease pain and stabilize the spine. Manual therapy along with certain exercises may also be prescribed to relieve your herniated disc symptoms. More often than not, several spinal manipulation sessions are required in order to experience optimal results.

Common chiropractic techniques for treating herniated discs include:

• Flexion-distraction: a special table helps to isolate, stretch and adjust certain areas of the spine
• Pelvic blocking: special cushions are placed on both sides of the pelvis while certain exercises are implemented to help take pressure off spinal nerves

These chiropractic techniques along with heat or ice therapy and at-home stretching and strengthening exercises can often provide those with herniated discs the relief and aid they need without medication or surgery.

If you are dealing with back or neck pain, tingling or other symptoms you could be dealing with a herniated disc or other spinal issues. Turn to the spine experts at Bee Caves Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center in Austin, TX, to provide you with the effective, non-surgical relief you’ve been looking for.