Herniated Disc

What is a herniated disc?

Our backbone’s discs serve as shock absorbers between the vertebrae of the human spine. Thanks to the elastic nature of discs, our body can flex and have a wide range of motion within the spine. Our spine’s core is a jelly-like substance that increases the discs’ overall flexibility. If damaged life’s minor or major traumas, discs can crack, leading to a leak of this fluid. This leak or herniation can cause localized pain and discomfort to severe cases of loss of muscle strength, or even bladder and bowel problems. This is why Kirkman Chiropractic recommends a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of the problem.

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc can be caused by a wide range of reasons, including trauma, a lack of exercise, working with a poor posture, and improperly lifting everyday items at home or work. When the herniated disc injury occurs, the disc can crack and the jelly core will leak, putting pressure on the nearby nerves—due to the lack of shock absorption of the spine. Symptoms can include severe back pain, as well as pain radiating down the legs, and it can also trigger sciatica.

How can I find relief from a herniated disc?

At Kirkman Chiropractic we see many people come in with herniated disc pain. For the most part, mild to moderate disc herniation can be treated successfully with diligent chiropractic care, along with a number of options including physical therapy, massage, and other rehabilitative exercises. Spinal decompression can also be very effective in treating herniated discs. Herniated disc treatment from a chiropractic perspective can help restore normal function, allowing the natural healing process to occur without surgical intervention