If you are feeling some pain in your lower back or neck, chances are you have a herniated disc. This condition is usually a result of an excessive strain on the nerves either in the cervical or the lumbar portion of the spine. The strain causes misalignment in the spine and affects the discs as well as the nerves. It can also be due to degeneration because of old age. Symptoms for this may vary and can also range from mild to severe pain. Other symptoms may include weakness or numbness in either the legs, neck, arms, or back.
The main point of getting a herniated disc treatment is to be relieved of pain and other types of discomfort that may be associated with a herniated disc. Though it may go away on its own after some time, it is still best if you see a healthcare professional whether a doctor or chiropractor to get your situation evaluated and have the appropriate treatment.
How to diagnose a herniated disc
When you are getting a diagnosis from a doctor, you may expect some physical exams to be done. You will also need to divulge your medical history. The doctor may do further evaluations such as a neurological exam to assess your muscle strength, reflexes, and also to check your if you are able to feel vibrations and other light touches. Your ability to walk may also be evaluated. Nerve tests and imaging tests may also be done when necessary.
Patients may opt to choose the kind of treatment they would like to have which can be any of the various types of non-surgical methods or they can also go for a chiropractic treatment. Whichever treatment an individual chooses, the treatment plan is always individualized. Symptoms for a herniated disc differs according to an individual’s condition. Some experience pain in the lower back or the lumbar spine, and may feel a sharp pain or burning, tingling, numbness that springs from the buttocks down to the foot or the leg. However, if the pain is coming from the neck or the cervical spine, symptoms may include tingling in the arm or shoulder, numbness, or a pain that can be either sharp or dull and is experienced between the shoulder blades or the neck.
Options for treating a herniated disc
The priority to treat a herniated disc is to alleviate the pain as well as the other symptoms that are uncomfortable for the patient. There are a plenty of non-surgical procedures that can be followed and are effective in resolving this condition. Some of these treatments are:
- Medication such as NSAIDs, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.
- Physical therapy
- Manipulation therapy
- Gentle stretching
- Exercise
- Ice and heat therapy
- Chiropractic treatment
- Rest
- Acupuncture
- Massage
When taking a rest though, it is not advisable to spend too much time lying down because it can cause joint stiffness and can weaken the muscles. Rather than resting on the bed, it would be best to take a position that is comfortable for you for around 30 minutes, and then try going for a short walk or do some non-strenuous activities. When you resume your tasks, do them slowly and avoid those that will make you bend forward or lift things.
Another option is through spinal decompression which you can avail from a reliable chiropractor such as the O’Dell Family Chiropractic. The purpose of this method is to decompress the spine, lifts the pressure, allowing improved circulation and pain relief.
At O’Dell Family Chiropractic, the spinal decompression treatment uses a decompression table which makes sure that only the appropriate amount of pressure is used to reach the target result. What the chiropractor does is to secure the patient on the table while explaining the entire procedure and then the patient will be instructed to relax. The decompression table will allow the chiropractor to identify the specific vertebrae while the computer interface lets the chiropractor have the control over the whole treatment. This kind of procedure usually takes about 30 minutes per session and is done over a certain period of time. Patients generally feel some improvements after some sessions. The patients do not need to take any more or perhaps less medications for the pain.
Those who do not wish to get better using medicines may always opt for chiropractic care, and for your chiropractic needs, O’Dell Family Chiropractic has every service you could possibly need. This group of chiropractors aim to offer a holistic, natural, and non-invasive type of care to their clients and also aims to provide a complete treatment, meaning inside and out so that the healing will be a total package. Aside from treatment, they also offer wellness programs to help you live a healthy and active lifestyle so that you do not have to experience any pain again. O’Dell Family Chiropractic also wants their clients to have a healthy spine and they are willing to help you with that as well.
If you ever have a herniated disc and decide for chiropractic care, choose the best chiropractor for yourself. Choose one that has good reviews and feedback from their clients, with very good credentials and most importantly, one that you can trust.
