Chiropractic Treatment for a Herniated Disc

Your spinal column is made up of vertebrae, or bones, stacked one on top of the other. Between the bones are discs, or soft cushions that prevent the bones from rubbing together. A herniated, or slipped, disc occurs if one of the cushions wears down and ruptures, so that the material inside the disc leaks out, causing pain and numbness in the body. Charlotte chiropractor, Dr. Darcy Walraven Ladner, treats herniated discs using chiropractic techniques such as spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and spinal decompression.

Signs and Causes of a Herniated Disc

A number of factors can lead to a herniated disc. Age is one of the primary causes. In some people, the discs begin to wear down in middle age. Another common cause of the condition is stress placed on the spine. Stress can come from a number of sources. If you are overweight, the extra weight puts pressure on the discs and can cause a rupture. Work-related stress is another cause. If you work a job that requires you to lift heavy objects or a job that requires a lot of repetitive movements, you are at a higher risk for a slipped disc. Lifestyle choices such as smoking or a lack of exercise can also lead to a slipped disc.

Back pain is a common sign of a disc problem, as is pain in the arms and legs. If the disc ruptures in your neck, arm pain is more likely. Leg pain is common if the disc ruptured in your lower back. You may also experience feelings of numbness or muscle weakness due to damage to the nerves.

Chiropractic Treatments

Charlotte chiropractor Dr. Walraven Ladner offers several treatments for disc problems. Spinal adjustments put your spine back into position and relieve pressure on the disc. Therapy exercises and stretching help reduce pain and strengthen the muscles. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may need spinal decompression therapy to relieve pressure on the nerves in your back.

Have you suffered from a herniated disc and back pain? What treatment helped you?