Treatment for Herniated Discs in Noblesville
Dr. Dahlager offers safe and effective treatment of disc herniation in Noblesville, IN. Disc herniation – also frequently called a slipped, ruptured, bulging, or herniated disc – is a spinal condition that is one of the most common causes of back pain and neck pain.
About Disc Herniation
The spine is made up of vertebrae, or small bones. Between each bone is a fibrous cushion known as an intervertebral disc. Each disc has a soft, gel-like center, surrounded by an outer layer of fibrous tissue. As part of the natural aging process, these discs lose hydration and become brittle, making them more susceptible to injury. Back strain or a sudden blow such as a car accident can rupture or tear the tough exterior, allowing the softer interior to protrude.
The bulging disc places pressure on a nearby spinal nerve. This may lead to back pain, neck pain, and sciatica symptoms. Back pain can also result without direct impingement of the nerves, as inflammation can itself lead to pain. Another cause of herniated disc, known as endplate junction, occurs when the tissues connecting the discs and vertebrae separate.
Causes of Disc Herniation
There are several risk factors contributing to herniated discs, including being overweight or obese, the natural aging process, or a family history of related spinal issues. Jobs that require heavy lifting, especially when combined with a twisting motion, also make herniated discs more likely. Disc herniation may also develop after a traumatic event such as an auto injury or work injury.
Disc Herniation Types
The herniated disc may occur at any position on the spine. Lumbar disc herniation is the most common type of disc herniation we see in our Noblesville chiropractic clinic. The lumbar spine is located in the lower back, so a bulging disc in the region may result in low back pain. This type of herniated disc often causes sciatica, which runs down the hips into the legs and feet. The second most common form of herniated disc is in the cervical spine, or neck, causing neck pain and symptoms radiating out to the shoulders and arms. Finally, disc herniation is possible in the thoracic spine, or upper back, though it is very uncommon.
Noblesville Chiropractic Treatments for Herniated Discs
Chiropractic care can ease nerve compression and inflammation caused by disc herniation. Chiropractic adjustments, massage, and exercise therapies can relieve the back pain, neck pain, and other symptoms of disc herniation, allowing the disc to heal. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments are as effective as epidural steroid injections for lumbar disc herniation, only without the risks associated with using steroids. Other research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can provide significant improvements for 85% of patients with cervical disc herniation.
If you are searching for relief from the pain caused by a herniated disc, contact Noblesville chiropractor Dr. Dahlager today.
References
Peterson CK, et al. Outcomes from magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed symptomatic cervical disk herniation patients treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulative therapy.: a prospective cohort study with 3-month follow-up. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2013; doi 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.07.002.
Peterson, CK, et al. Symptomatic Magnetic Resonance Imaging-confirmed lumbar disk herniationpatients: a comparative effectiveness prospective observational study of 2 age- and sex-matched cohortstreated with either high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulative therapy or imaging-guided lumbar nerve root injections. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2013; doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.04.005.
