Experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or discomfort in your lower back? Do you have trouble moving or raising your legs? Is there an unexplained pain shooting in the back of your leg, from your buttocks to your knee? Are you going to the bathroom more or less often than normal? If so, our team of chiropractors are here to help!
If you have any or all of the symptoms above, then you might have a slipped disc. In this article we will discuss everything from what a slipped disc is, what causes it, and the best treatment options to ease back pain.
What Is A Slipped Disc?
Your spine is made up of several bones, which are known as your vertebrae. In between these bones are a kind of jellylike substance that cushion your bones together. These cushions are known as your discs, or discs. These discs keep the vertebrae of your spine together safely, giving you flexibility and stability at the same time.
However, there are conditions and injuries which can lead to these discs becoming damaged. A “slipped disc” (also known as a herniated disc) is when one of your discs ruptures or bulges out of place, similar to “slipping” out of position. When this happens, the tissue around the disc herniates or fails, leading to the disc pressing into the spinal cord or other nearby nerves. This pressing leads to unnatural pressure in the area, which causes weakness, numbness, pain, and other tingling sensations.
Slipped discs are a common occurrence, and many people live with this condition unknowingly. This condition is mostly seen in the lower back area, but it can also be seen in any disc along the spine, up to the neck. If you need to ease back pain, the slipped disc might be your main obstacle.
How Can You Get A Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc can be caused by a number of factors. These include:
- Ageing and natural degeneration
- Physical injuries related to bad form during heavy lifting
- Excessive strain on the back
- Sudden violent actions on the spine
Herniated discs can be caused by natural wear and tear on your vertebrae and spine, by injury (car accidents, sports accidents), or a combination of the two, which is why you become more susceptible to slipped discs as you become older. Even an action as basic as a rough sneeze can lead to a herniated disc if the foundation of the weak disc has already been set up.
If I Have A Slipped Disc, What Symptoms Can I Expect?
As mentioned above, the symptoms of a slipped disc are related to pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back and surrounding areas, all the way down to the back of the knees or even feet. This is because the nerves pressed by the disc might be connected to the back of the knees and lower. Some other symptoms include:
- Unexpected weakness of muscles
- Pain that becomes exaggerated after sitting, standing, or short walks
- Pain that shoots into your extremities and limbs
- Numbness, tingling, and strange sensations throughout your limbs
- Sciatica, or pain from your buttocks to your knees
How Can A Slipped Disc Be Treated
There are a number of ways that a slipped disc can be treated. These include:
- Rest: Sometimes all you need is a good rest. If your back is hurting, lay off it for a while and give it time to heal on its own. However, don’t rest for longer than 48 hours, or else your muscles might begin to stiffen more than you would like. Ice packs applied on the swollen areas can help speed up this recovery
- Medications: Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can help you with the pain, however these are not effective long-term solutions. While they might help you with your short-term relief, they do not help in dealing with the source of your pain
- Surgery: Surgery should never be considered lightly, and should only be considered if all other options have been tried and exhausted. Surgery leads to the longest recovery time and brings up the highest risk of failure. Only opt for surgery if there is no other way
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy such as chiropractic treatment is widely known for its success in treating conditions such slipped discs. With the right stretching, aerobic exercises, and massaging, your body will be back in top notch condition in no time, with no invasive methods required
First Choice Chiropractic: Treat Your Slipped Disc Today
If you believe you have a slipped disc or have experienced any of the symptoms related to slipped discs, then it might be time contact our team of Chiropractors at First Choice Chiropractic.
First Choice Chiropractic has assisted countless patients with their musculoskeletal problems and conditions, and we are always happy to help someone new. Chiropractic therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and straightforward treatment option.
Give us a call and learn more about First Choice Chiropractic today.
