Back and neck pain are among the most common complaints among those who are visiting a chiropractor. Most of the time, this type of pain is minor and can easily be relieved by chiropractic adjustments. However, there are times when this kind of pain can be attributed to a herniated disk.
What is a Herniated Disk?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) that sit between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine.” A herniated disk can often press against a nerve causing pain that is anywhere from minor to excruciating. No matter how a herniated disk happens, it is painful and isn’t something you should have to suffer from in the long term.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disk
A herniated disk can happen instantly due to an injury or movement, but it is much more common for disks to herniate slowly and cause pain to build. Symptoms will become more noticeable over time and eventually they will become unbearable. Some symptoms include:
- Numbness in extremities
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Radiating pain in limbs
- Difficulty moving or stretching
- Muscle weakness
- Pain with moving neck
Symptoms will depend on where the herniated disk is located on the spine.
Chiropractic Care
If you have ever had a herniated disk, you probably know that any movement or motion – no matter how small – can cause a lot of pain and aggravate the problem. A common misconception is chiropractic care will not help with herniated disks; however, this is not the case. A chiropractor must complete a thorough examination of the spine that confirms the diagnosis of a herniated disk. Some of the benefits of chiropractic care for a herniated disk include:
- Drug-free treatment
- Non-invasive
- Improved mobility
- Reduced pain
There are a few different techniques that can be used, including the pelvic blocking technique, the flexion-distraction technique, and the spinal decompression technique. Both of these methods use different techniques of shifting your spinal disks away from the nerves they are pressing against. When you visit a chiropractor, they will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your needs. This usually incorporates exercises that focus on your core alongside nutritional supplements.
Closing
A herniated disk can be painful and majorly interrupt your day-to-day life. If you are dealing with back pain or what you believe is a herniated disk, consider calling Fletcher Chiropractic today! Call us at 402-261-5766!