3 Signs You Have a Herniated Disc and Howa Chiropractor Can Help

A herniated disc is a back condition where fluid from a disc surrounding the spinal column begins leaking out. Most herniated disc issues are caused by aging. However, this painful issue can occur following a sudden injury or severe accident. In some cases, the spinal injury causes intense pain and discomfort, but many people can experience a herniated disc and feel no pain at all.
When you have a herniated disc, you need to receive professional chiropractic care right away to prevent your injury from worsening. Pressure on your spinal nerves can cause intense pain or discomfort and keep you from activities you normally do with ease. Here are three signs you have a herniated disc and how a chiropractor can assist you in healing.

If a slipped disc occurs in the upper back, then you may experience arm weakness as a result. Your arm may be difficult to move, or you may feel a numb or tingling sensation - depending on how severe your condition is.

Lower disc damage may cause pain or tingling in the forearm or hand. If you experience any kind of body weakness or numbness, speak to your doctor right away to rule out other possible conditions, like a stroke. Once your doctor has examined you and diagnosed your herniated disc, they will most likely refer you to a chiropractor for pain relief and physical rehabilitation.

Lower back pain that persists for many days and does not alleviate with over-the-counter medication can be a sign of a herniated disc. The pain is often caused by pressure on the nerves due to the leaking fluids from the affected disc itself.

Your chiropractor will examine your spine and identify where the alignment is not correct. Then, they will make adjustments to your body to help reduce nerve pressure. Massage may also be incorporated into treatment to help alleviate inflamed muscles and painful areas.

Your sciatic nerve is a large nerve that begins near your buttocks and travels down the length of your leg. When you have a spinal injury or your back is out of alignment, pressure on this nerve can cause irritating or painful symptoms. Sciatica issues include:

1. Tingling and numbness in one leg
   
2. A burning knot in the buttocks
   
3. Leg muscle spasms
   
4. Discomfort in front thigh
   

Sciatic nerve pain may feel worse when you are standing or sitting for long periods of time, and then feel better when you are moving or lying down. Write down your symptoms and when they occur most so your chiropractor can help come up with a custom treatment plan for your slipped disc and sciatic nerve pain.

Your chiropractor will perform gentle spinal manipulation to help realign your spine and alleviate the pain and pressure caused by a herniated disc. A custom treatment plan will be created for your care based on the location, severity and symptoms associated with your herniated disc. You will need multiple chiropractic visits to get the relief you need and help your spine recover.

A herniated disc is a common spinal injury and one that you may have had in the past without even realizing it. Don't mistake small amounts of pain or discomfort for nothing serious. See your doctor and chiropractor right away if you experience pain, numbness, tingling or pressure in your spine or down your legs.

Your chiropractor can bring you the spinal pain relief you need. Speak to our friendly staff at Progressive Chiropractic today to schedule your appointment. Using our special techniques, we can help alleviate pain and pressure caused by a herniated disc.