Myshka Chiropractic offers effective, non-surgical solutions for slipped discs, sometimes referred to as “herniated” discs. To treat slipped discs, Dr. Susan Myshka combines a thorough physical exam and digital imaging to determine what type of problem is occurring.
We believe in opting for natural and therapeutic treatments that work in conjunction with your body as a first option for slipped disc problems whenever possible. If we discover that the best option is surgery, we are happy to provide you with excellent references. Often, patients need chiropractic care following surgery, and we are glad to assist.
Fortunately, only a small percentage of people experiencing low back pain have serious disc issues, and the vast majority of problems can be treated through professional chiropractic manipulation and therapy. Call our local chiropractor today to learn your options and get started.
What is a Spinal Disc?
Between each vertebrae of your spine is a spongy pad, called an intervertebral disc, that acts as a shock absorber for the spine. These discs are located throughout the spinal column, ranging from your neck to your lower back, and work to prevent injury that could be caused by daily activities. Additionally, discs protect the intricate nerves that comprise your spinal cord.
Each of these flat, circular pads is about an inch wide and a quarter of an inch thick. When we are young, our spinal discs are sacs filled with fluid, but as we age, they begin to solidify. By the time we are middle aged, the outside of our spinal discs resemble hardened pieces of rubber that become prone to degeneration and injury. The inside contains a gel-like fluid that absorbs pressure from impacts and movement of the spine.
Bulging and Slipped Discs
Discs are held in place by ligaments that connect the muscles of the back to the vertebrae. There is little wiggle room for discs to actually move. What usually happens is that gel or fluid from inside the disc pushes out from a crack in the disc’s outer covering. Nearby nerves become irritated and/or painful, and many people experience weakness or numbness in an arm or a leg. Some people are fortunate enough to experience no symptoms for a long time from a bulging or herniated disc.
Disc Protrusion
When a disc is pushed out of shape, it is called a protrusion. Much like a car tire with a weak sidewall, it becomes misshapen, and a portion of it actually protrudes from inside. This phenomenon is also referred to as a “bulging disc.” Left untreated, a disc protrusion can eventually prolapse.
Disc Herniation (Also Called Prolapse)
When a disc prolapses, or “slips,” the bubble of protrusion becomes larger and extends beyond the disc’s designated space.Disc Herniation aka Prolapsing puts pressure on the nerves located in that section of the spine, and can cause a great deal of pain. Everyday activities such as sitting down, walking, lifting, using the bathroom or even coughing can become nearly unbearable. Disc prolapse can also cause numbness in the legs or feet, or loss of some muscle control.
What Causes Slipped Discs?
In addition to the solidification of discs that occurs as we age, certain motions and activities can cause injury. For example, lifting large, heavy objects puts greater strain on the lower back, making the discs absorb significant amounts of force. Individuals with physically demanding occupations, therefore, are at higher risk for a slipped disk injury. Although you can’t prevent a slipped disc, you can lower your risk by maintaining a straight posture, stretching daily, and taking breaks while standing or sitting for longer periods of time.
Signs and Symptoms of Slipped Discs
The term “slipped disc” is often all-encompassing of both disc prolapse (bulging) and disc protrusion (herniation). Symptoms of slipped discs include:
- Stiffness or pain in the spinal area
- Pain in the legs, feet, or buttocks caused by pressure on nerves
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in any area of the body where affected nerves reach
- Unexplained muscle weakness
- Pain during specific movements, such as walking, standing, or sitting
Can a Chiropractor Help with a Slipped Disc?
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-surgical, and holistic approach to treating pain, inflammation, and stiffness that may be caused by a slipped disc. Rather than focusing on just the affected area, chiropractors assess the function of the entire spine to determine next steps. A regular, consistent chiropractic treatment plan can help you find relief from a herniated disc injury.
Once you have discussed your symptoms with Dr. Myshka and wish to proceed with an individualized treatment plan, she’ll begin by executing a physical evaluation. When performing the assessment, she looks at your reflexes, muscle strength, and nerve sensation. An X-ray may also be taken to further understand your injury. Then, once all information has been gathered, Dr. Myshka will give a formal diagnosis and create a custom course of treatment.
Various combinations of treatments may be implemented, depending on your symptoms, age, and overall health. Chiropractic care for slipped discs is aimed to address and eventually alleviate pain. Dr. Susan Myshka uses the Gonstead chiropractic adjustment in Jonesboro, which is unique.
- Gonstead Technique: A spinal manipulation technique that uses specialized tables to “distract,” or stretch, the spine so the Doctor of chiropractic can manually manipulate the spine to decompress the disc, allowing the center of the disc to assume its normal position. To see the effectiveness of this technique, check out this video from Chiro Care.
Myshka Chiropractic: Your Slipped Disc Chiropractor
If you are experiencing any symptoms related to bulging or slipped discs, our chiropractor in Jonesboro, AR, can help. We will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the origin of your pain or problem, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Request an appointment online today with our Jonesboro back pain doctor, and get started toward a pain-free future!
You talk. We listen. We recommend. You decide.
If you’re suffering from any of these issues or something more give Dr. Myshka a call today. (870) 932-5661