Herniated Disc Treatment From Hull Chiropractic
Neck and back pain can often be caused by a herniated disc. Typically occurring in older patients, herniated discs can cause several painful and concerning symptoms. Regular chiropractic care, like that from Hull Chiropractic, can alleviate herniated disc symptoms. Below, let's take a closer look at what a herniated disc is and how a chiropractor can help.
What is a herniated disc?
Sometimes referred to as a bulging disc, a herniated disc is a condition that impacts the discs that are in the back. The spine is made up of several individual bones called vertebrae. In between each vertebra is a disc that acts as a cushioning device to help ease the impact. Each disc is a donut-shaped structure that is filled with a liquid type substance. Sometimes the exterior of the disc walls becomes damaged or ruptured and some liquid cushioning gel escapes. When this occurs, the disc is herniated. Typically, herniated discs are a degenerative disease and occur more frequently in older patients. The walls of the disc can become brittle with age and are more prone to rupturing. Occasionally, herniated discs can occur as a result of impact or injury.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of a herniated disc will vary depending on where in the spine the herniated disc occurs. For the upper spine, patients frequently experience pain in their neck, shoulders, or arms. For herniated discs in the lower back region, pain can appear in the buttocks, hamstrings, or calves. Pain can range from a dull ache to a stabbing pain. Another frequent symptom of a herniated disc is a numbness or tingling feeling. People will report feeling clumsier than usual, frequently tripping or stumbling. The numbness can radiate down the arms to the hands and people can experience difficulty holding on to items.
What can a chiropractor do to help?
A chiropractor will first work to diagnose where in the spine the herniated disc has occurred. Depending on the severity of the rupture, a chiropractor may prescribe a multitude of treatment options. This can range from manual manipulation to medical massage, to strengthening and stretching exercises to improve the muscle strength and flexibility in the areas surrounding the herniated disc. Through regular chiropractic care, many people report improved symptoms and can return to living a pain-free life.
Call Hull Chiropractic Today
At Hull Chiropractic we understand how debilitating herniated disc symptoms can be, and we are here to help. Our expert and caring chiropractor and team want to get you feeling your best again. Our office is conveniently located at 101 N. Girls School Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46214. To learn more about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (317) 243-2392.
