Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment

Your spine is an intricate network of nerves, ligaments, tendons, muscles and discs. Its discs act as cushions for the spinal column and contain an inner gel. A degenerative disc disease or injury can cause the center of the disc to pop out. When its inner gel leaks out into the spinal column, it’s a condition known as herniated disc.

The most common types of disc herniation are lumbar and cervical, but lumbar disc herniation occurs much more often. Often, a lumbar herniated disc will cause pain that radiates from the back, through the buttocks and to the legs. A cervical herniated disc can cause neck, shoulder and arm pain. Herniated disc symptoms may also include numbness or weakness in both types of herniated discs. It may be difficult to walk or lift items.

There are a variety of factors that can increase your risk for a herniate disc. Excess body weight can put too much stress on the discs in the lower back resulting in a herniated disc. Those with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of herniated disc. Heavy lifting, twisting, pulling and bending sideways can also put one at risk for herniated disc. Lastly, some folks just have a genetic disposition to developing a herniated disc. Left untreated, herniated disc can cause bowel dysfunction and saddle anesthesia. Saddles anesthesia is the loss of sensation in the back of the legs and inner thighs.

Lakewood Ranch Chiropractic: Herniated Disc Treatment

At Lakewood Ranch Chiropractic in Bradenton, FL, Dr. John Nichols applies a holistic approach for herniated disc treatment. Treatment plans may include spinal adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, massage therapy and physical therapy. Each therapeutic treatment modality is designed to enhance the effect of the other.

With spinal adjustments, Dr. John Nichols is able to gently realign spinal components that are out of place. Spinal decompression therapy is also an effective herniated disc treatment. With computerized rollers on a traction table, the spine is gently stretched to increase space between the discs.

Physical therapy rehabilitation may include strengthening exercises and interferential electric muscle stimulation. Our massage therapy sessions are an ideal adjunct to spinal manipulations. They help the body better receive the adjustment while increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area for faster healing.

If you have neck or back pain, a herniated disc just may be the culprit. Give us a call at 941-739-2900 to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. John Nichols. Wellness begins at Lakewood Ranch Chiropractic.