Back pain and discomfort can arise from a host of issues, but one common cause are disc injuries. These injuries range from degenerative disc disease to herniated discs, and understanding the type and symptoms of your specific disc issue can help chart the course for your treatment. Our expert team at RESPORT personalizes your treatment plan, working to resolve any disc injuries you may be suffering from.
Disc injuries occur when discs in your spine become damaged or compromised in some way. Intervertebral discs act as cushions in between your vertebrae—bones that make up your spine—helping to absorb shock and provide flexibility. Symptoms experienced with disc injuries depend on the type of injury you’re suffering from, but likely include pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and reduced range of motion.
Common disc injuries include: degenerative disc disease, where your discs lose their cushioning over time; a herniated disc, when the soft, gel-like center ruptures through the outer layer and presses on your nerves; a bulging disc, where your disc bulges outward but the outer layer remains intact; and disc degeneration, when your discs lose their structure and function from wear and tear.
While disc injuries can occur from a variety of reasons, including age, obesity, and poor posture, if you work to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and practice good posture, you may help reduce your risk.
We’ve seen our fair share of people with disc injuries and understand how debilitating these can be on the quality of your life. When it comes to treating your disc injury, our team believes in a comprehensive and holistic approach, focusing on chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy exercises to restore your spinal alignment, reduce pressure on your discs, and improve your flexibility and mobility.
While our first priority is to alleviate pain and help you recover, we also want to prevent future disc issues from arising. With lifestyle advice and our holistic approach to your physical wellbeing, we’ll work to have you mobile, pain-free, and enjoying your life to the fullest.
We don’t just treat the surface level issue, but rather work to identify the root cause of your disc injury. With a thorough assessment, including a physical exam and your medical history, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan based on your limitations and unique needs. Our goal at your first visit is to make you comfortable and informed so you understand your injury and our course of treatment.
The time it takes for your disc injury to heal depends on the severity of your injury. It may take several weeks, or a few months.
Some immediate steps are to rest and apply ice to the area. It’s best to ice every 15 to 20 minutes every few hours. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage pain and inflammation.
For proper diagnosis and treatment, contact a healthcare professional.
While symptoms can vary based on the individual, common symptoms include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, increased pain when coughing, or sciatica (pain felt in your lower back that moves down your leg as a result of a compressed nerve).
A herniated disc can press on a nerve that runs down your leg causing this pain. This may likely be sciatica, which occurs when your sciatic nerve is compressed, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in your leg.
It is possible to live with a slipped disc if you manage your pain effectively. Treatment like physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments may help.
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