Our spine contains discs that rest between the vertebrae and act as cushions and shock absorbers. Unfortunately, these discs are susceptible to wear and tear, leading to herniated discs. This condition can cause significant pain and reduced mobility. Hillcrest Chiropractic in Clarksville, TN, is here to tell you about herniated discs and how our chiropractic care can treat them.
Understanding Herniated Discs
Herniated discs occur when the tough outer shell of a spinal disc cracks, allowing the soft inner core to bulge or leak out. Disc herniation can happen for several reasons, with some of the most common being:
- Age-related degeneration: Our discs naturally lose water content as we age, becoming less flexible and more prone to tears.
- Improper lifting techniques: Lifting heavy objects with poor posture or twisting motions can put undue stress on the spine, increasing the risk of disc herniation.
- Obesity: Excess weight typically strains the spine and accelerates disc degeneration.
- Repetitive straining: Activities involving constant bending, twisting, or lifting can sometimes cause herniated discs.
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. For example, a herniated disc in the lower back often causes sharp or shooting lower back, buttock, and leg pain. Herniated discs closer to the neck frequently lead to neck pain and numbness or tingling. People can also experience muscle weakness in the arms or legs and pain that worsens when coughing, sneezing, or bending.
How Our Chiropractor Can Treat Herniated Discs
Our chiropractor will begin by determining the underlying cause of your herniated disc and its location. Once we identify the affected area and the severity of your herniated disc, our chiropractor will create a back pain treatment plan to reduce pain and improve your range of motion. This plan may include the following:
- Spinal adjustments: We may use gentle, targeted adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve compression caused by your herniated disc.
- Spinal decompression: This non-invasive technique creates a gentle separation in the spine, helping relieve pressure on the disc.
- Massage therapy: Massage can help relax muscles around the spine, improve blood flow, and promote healing.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: We may include a personalized exercise program to improve flexibility, core strength, and posture. All of these are vital for spinal health and pain management.
Feel Your Best Again With Herniated Disc Treatment at Hillcrest Chiropractic
If you are experiencing symptoms indicating a herniated disc, seek prompt care from your “chiropractor near you” at Hillcrest Chiropractic in Clarksville, TN. Untreated herniated discs can significantly affect your quality of life, so call us and schedule a consultation at (931) 906-9679 to get the disc issue treatment necessary to move and feel like yourself again.
