Do I Have A Herniated Disc? Symptoms To Watch Out For And Options To Treat It

“Herniated disc” are two words nobody wants to hear. It has the potential to cause intense pain along your spine and can make everyday tasks a challenge.

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While this condition is common, it can sometimes be hard to tell if you actually have it. Is the aching in your back a simple strain or something more serious?

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We’re going to walk through the symptoms of herniated discs and the treatment steps we take at Advanced Wellness.

But First, What Is A Herniated Disc?

We all have discs that cushion the vertebrates in our back. They have a tougher outer layer with a soft inner layer. A herniated disc occurs when the inner part of the disc ruptures through the outer layer of the disc. This causes pressure on the spinal nerves which often results in pain and inflammation.

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Herniated discs occur because of degeneration, injury, or a combination of the two. Keep in mind, some people who have herniated discs aren’t even aware of it because they don’t experience any symptoms. Otherwise, herniated discs can cause moderate to serious pain.

Facing The Symptoms

If you suspect you have a herniated disc, there are a few symptoms to look for. One of the main symptoms is pain shooting into the buttocks and down the leg. This pain can be sharp, stabbing, burning, throbbing or aching. Another symptom is numbness and/or tingling.

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If you have a herniated disc in your neck, this can cause pain and tingling in your arms. On the other hand, if you have a herniated disc in your lower back, this can affect the legs.

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In extreme cases, weakness in one or both legs can occur. A rare symptom of a herniated disc is loss of bowel/bladder control. If you experience this, it is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention and surgery.

Your Treatment Options  

While there is no “cure” for disc herniation, the symptoms can be treated. These treatments can reduce the pain/tingling sensation and sometimes eliminate them altogether.

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The methods we use are physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. One treatment we often use is epidural injections. This is commonly recommended to treat those who have herniated discs without symptoms.

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Another treatment we recommend is called DRX-9000. This involves computer-controlled decompression of the disc where the spine is stretched in a controlled way. This creates negative pressure within the disc, pulling nutrients from the surrounding fluid into the disc. By rehydrating the disc, this decreases the size of the herniation.

We often use a combination of treatments to treat herniated discs. Our goal is to understand what your individual needs are and the way your body works. From there, we will determine the most effective way to get rid of your pain and get you back to your normal life.

Schedule An Appointment

If you suspect you may have a herniated disc, the first thing you should do is get evaluated by a professional. If you’d like to set an appointment with us, please stop by our contact page. We look forward to hearing from you!