Herniated Disc Specialist
The spine has rubbery discs in between the vertebrae that absorb shock and hold the vertebrae together. Each disc comprises a rigid, rubbery exterior annulus enclosing an inner soft, jellylike center.
A herniated disc is one of the discs which moves out of position or bulges out of a tear in the annulus. It may irritate a nearby nerve and, depending on its place, can trigger numbness, weakness, or pain in an arm or leg.
Herniated discs can occur anywhere but are most common in the lower back. Prompt treatment of slipped discs is essential for preventing serious complications and long-term health issues.
Symptoms Of Herniated Disc
Depending on the rupture location, a herniated disc’s symptoms can range from moderate pain and discomfort to excruciating lower back pain and numbness.
Common symptoms of a slipped disc include:
- Frequent muscle spasms and weakness
- Numbness in the limbs and lower extremities
- Tingling sensations with pins and needles around the ruptured disc
- Overactive reflexes
- Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy
Types Of Herniated Disc
- Disc Prolapse is the rupture of the rubbery cushion due to a severe injury to the spinal bones.
- Disc Protrusion is a standard disc problem caused by age, wear and tear, overuse, obesity, or traumatic conditions.
- Herniation is pushing the rubbery discs away from their usual location leads to disc herniation.
Causes Of Herniated Disc
Gradual age-related wear and tear is the most common cause of a herniated disc. As a person ages, the intervertebral discs become stiff and more vulnerable to tear or rupture. other possible causes for a herniated disc are:
- Lifting heavy objects using your back
- Prolonged decreased joint motion
- Sudden twisting of the back
- Sitting for too long
- Excessive pulling, pushing, and twisting movements
How to Heal A Herniated Disc Naturally
Lying with your face down and hips elevated offers temporary pain relief. Other simple self-care strategies include:
- Regular physical exercise
- Use of heating pads or ice packs on the inflamed area
- Pain medications for herniated discs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen
Chiropractic Treatment For Herniated Disc
The squeezing of a spinal nerve root can lead to a severe loss of motor function in the corresponding area. Besides, the compression of the cauda equina can result in chronic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Chiropractic treatment offers the most effective and safest non-surgical herniated disc treatment. It involves using techniques like spinal manipulations, stretching exercises, and physical therapy. If required, we may include acupuncture, therapeutic ultrasound, and traditional massage therapy in the customized herniated disc treatment program.
Ballard Seattle Chiropractic Center offers the complete solution to all your health conditions, including herniated discs. Our chiropractors conduct a physical examination and learn your medical history to formulate your customized treatment plan. We use the best and latest technologies like laser therapy for complete and thorough healing and recovery from herniated discs.
Get in touch with our chiropractor in Seattle to book an appointment if you have a herniated disc.
Book An Appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us at (206) 783-6000
You can also use the online booking tool below for an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Disc
Can I get a disability for herniated discs?
Prolonged disc degeneration that results in cervical disc herniation or lumbar disc herniation in Seattle may render you eligible for monthly financial assistance. If your symptoms are severe and you have chronic pain, you can avail of monetary benefits through social security programs.
Are Seattle, WA Chiropractors safe for herniated discs?
A growing body of spine wellness experts endorses chiropractic treatment for herniated discs. And chiropractors are experts in treating herniation through soft tissue therapy and spinal adjustment. They coax the disc back to its natural position through gentle pulling and pushing movements.
What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?
According to recent studies conducted across the US on how to heal herniated disc naturally, regular chiropractic treatment sessions provide rapid pain relief and accelerate the healing process. Slipped disc chiropractors in Seattle apply gentle pressure along the spine’s length to restore its natural alignment. Soft tissue therapy is also a fantastic approach to speeding up the recovery process.
Can you still walk with a herniated disc?
Most people suffering from herniated disc tend to refrain from engaging in physical activities. Herniated disc causes constant pain in the lower back and legs, leading to muscle weakness in the limbs. However, staying active and doing low-impact stretching exercises regularly is essential for preventing joint stiffness.
What activities should you avoid with a herniated disc?
Herniated disc chiropractors recommend regular light exercise to strengthen the muscles in your back. However, strenuous exercise, sitting too much, and excessive twisting movements can pose severe threats to your health. Therefore, you should avoid doing laundry, vacuuming, shoveling, and running without your doctor’s permission.
How long does it take for a disc herniation to heal?
In most cases, a herniated disc heals on its own within four to six weeks if the patient takes precautions and treatment regularly. The pain usually fades away in about six days. However, delaying the treatment and carelessness can lead to complex disorders that require spinal surgery.
Can I go to the gym with a herniated disc?
Yes, going to the gym with a herniated disc is entirely safe. In order to retrain your muscles, you should practice light exercises. Muscle weakness is one of the significant symptoms of herniation. So, it is crucial to strengthen your back with a low-impact activity.
Can We Heal a Herniated Disc Naturally?
A considerable number of patients with disc prolapse recover without surgery. The average time required for healing is four to six weeks. If you take proper care and rest, your pain will go away in five to six days.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Herniated Disc?
Your medical insurance plan is highly likely to cover the total cost of chiropractic care for a herniated disc. However, you may not get total compensation in severe conditions that require surgery.
