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- Bulged Discs / Herniations
- Pinched Nerves
- Repetitive Stress Injury
- Plantar Fasciitis / Foot Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Treatment of Bulged Disc, Herniation, and Slipped Discs
Lower back pain from a bulged disc or herniation (slipped disc) is one of the most common reasons people see a Chiropractor.
Bulged discs and disc herniations usually occur in the lower back, but can occur in the neck in some cases. Regardless of location, the most difficult part of a disc bulge or disc herniation can be the back pain or neck pain that goes along with it.
No position is very comfortable and sleeping can be almost impossible. The good news is that Chiropractic and Active Release Technique® (ART) can be very effective in decreasing the pain associated with a bulged disc or disc herniation, while avoiding the risk of surgery or brain fog that goes along with pain medication.
Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can also help improve flexibility and ranges of motion, while making sleeping and sitting much more comfortable while your body heals.
What is a Bulged Disc or Disc Herniation (Slipped Disc)?
The bones of the spine (vertebrae) are separated by round discs that sit between each of the bones. The discs are similar to jelly donuts: they have a tough, thick covering on the outside and a soft jelly-like material on the inside. The discs act as shock absorbers or cushions between the bones of the spine, and help to keep the spine flexible. A disc herniation, or ‘slipped disc’ occurs when the soft inner disc material breaks through the tough outer covering and pushes out between the bones, often pushing on spinal nerves. Bulged discs occur when the disc material creates a bulge in the tough outer covering without actually breaking through it.
What Causes Bulged Discs and Disc Herniations (Slipped Discs)?
Bulged discs and disc herniations are most commonly caused by wear and tear. Wear and tear on the joints of the spine can contribute to wear and tear on the discs. As a result, the discs can dry out (disc dessication) and become much less flexible over time. WIth a loss of flexibilty, the disc loses its ability to stretch and bcomes more susceptible to disc bulge or herniation. Injury to the spine from falls, accidents, and lifting heavy objects can also cause bulged discs and disc herniations.
What Are the Symptoms of Bulged Discs and Disc Herniations?
Common symptoms of a disc herniation are lower back pain, neck pain, arm or leg pain, and numbness and tingling of the arms or legs. Bulging discs may also create the same types of symptoms. If a disc herniation is severe enough, there may be some associated weakness of the extremity (arm or leg). Individuals with weakness in the arms or legs should seek immediate medical attention.
With a disc herniation or bulged disc in the lower back, the symptoms tend to be in the lower back, hip and leg. When the bulged disc or disc herniation occurs in the neck, the symptoms tend to be in the neck, upper back, shoulder, arm and hand.
Treatment for Bulged Discs, Disc Pain, and Disc Herniation
Although Chiropractic is not an appropriate treatment for all disc conditions, it can be very helpful in many cases. Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can help decrease the back pain, neck pain and muscle spasm associated with disc herniation or bulged discs, while improving flexibility and ranges of motion. A combination of Chiropractic and Active Release can often provide a dramatic decrease in pain, allowing you to sleep and function normally while your bulged disc or herniation heals.
Chiropractors are well trained in treating disc herniations and often work with other doctors or specialists to make sure you get the care you need to get better quickly. And although some disc herniations may require surgery, most cases of disc pain do well with conservative treatment.
Bulged Discs and Disc Herniation Treatment in Bellevue, WA
If you have a bulged disc or slipped disc, chances are Dr. McGahey can help. If you’re interested in learning more about how Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can help your disc pain, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey. His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in Downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital. Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE!
Call (425) 455-2711.