If you are experiencing herniated disc symptoms it is crucial that you see your trusted medical professional for a correct diagnosis.
So what are the herniated disc symptoms?
First, let us try to understand what a herniated disc is. The human body is supported by the spine. There are 33 bones in the spine, and they are called vertebrae.
These are cushioned by jelly like discs so that the vertebrae can have a wider range of movement. These discs protect the vertebrae and avoid them from making contact between each other.
A herniated disc happens when a disc located in between the vertebrae has an issue and irritates the nerves around it.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Back pain is common and may happen anywhere in the spinal column. So, what are the signs of a herniated disc? Sufferers may experience one or all of these:
- Numbness
If pain is accompanied by numbness on either side of the body, then a herniated disc may be the cause of the discomfort. A disc may be irritating a nerve next to it making it numb to any other sensation.
- Pain in Arms or Legs
The spinal column is the body’s support and is composed of nerves that connect to other parts of the body. The severity of pain depends on the affected part of the spine.
If the pain on the upper part of the body also affects the arms, there may be a herniated disc around the neck or cervical spine.
If the pain in the lower back affects the legs, there may be a herniated disc in the lumbar area. This pain may happen when coughing, sneezing or suddenly moving and can be quite severe.
- Weakness
Herniated discs may affect the nerves around them and cause the muscles to weaken. One may suddenly find it hard to stand up or sit down.
What may be the Cause behind your Herniated Disc Symptoms?
A herniated disc may be caused by any of the following:
Injury
Sudden or prolonged injury on the spine may cause a lifetime of pain.
A disc under stress can easily move out of its correct position when doing activities that are physically demanding like lifting heavy materials. Learning the correct techniques used to lift and avoiding lifting items too heavy can go a long way in preventing spinal injuries, which may become lifelong.
Age Related Degeneration
The jelly-like discs in between vertebrae can deteriorate as people age. This is because the discs lose their protective content over time.
It’s very much comparable to a shrinking jelly that lost its water content. Studies also show that herniated discs are more commonly seen in men than in women due to the heavier duties that are often undertaken.
Excess Weight
Herniated discs are more common in overweight individuals. As stated before, the spine supports the entire body.
When overweight, the spine is put under pressure to support additional mass causing extra stress to compress on to vertebrae.
Sedentary Lifestyle
An inactive lifestyle can also cause herniated discs. Without proper exercise and activity, muscles become weak.
If muscles are weak, only the spine will support the body, and this may take a toll on its performance.
Herniated Disc Treatment
There are a lot of available treatments for herniated disc. Here are some options:
Enlisting the services of your trusted Chiropractor may be a valid option in providing on going care for herniated disc treatment including herniated disc treatment.
A Chiropractor will do a manual examination of the spine, finalising the diagnosis with x-rays before commencing treatment.
Rest
In some cases, patients are just prescribed to take it easy for a period of time until symptoms ease. Rest can help because this gives your body ample time to heal itself. It is important to avoid activities like lifting or even exercise.
Medication
Patients suffering from herniated disc symptoms are sometimes prescribed with medication.
These medications, however, are only used to alleviate the pain and will not provide a cure of the herniated discs.
Certain anti-inflammatory medication may be useful in the short to reduce swelling and inflammation, but are best used with caution due to other side effects.
Cold or Warm Compress
To reduce inflammation alternating between a cold and warm compress may be a viable herniated disc treatment that can be undertaken at home in between chiropractic adjustments.
Your Chiropractor will recommend any valid additions including gentle exercise to complete at home to get the best results from your treatment to alleviate herniated disc symptoms.
A Chiropractor provides Natural Therapy
The main role of a Chiropractor is to diagnose, treat, prevent and maintain optimal spine health.
Chiropractors encourage the body to heal naturally through having the spine and its surrounding nervous system in alignment. They achieve this by gently manipulating the spine, through manual adjustments.
For help with a problematic Herniated Disc see a Qualified and Experienced Chiropractor in your area: Here is a great Chiropractor on the Gold Coast or for more information on back pain see Back Pain Gold Coast
