A problem in the spine might not be your first thought when you experience pain or numbness in the arms or legs, but herniated discs commonly cause pain in these areas. At Joint Effort Chiropractic in White Plains, New York, chiropractors Jonathan Donath, DC, and Vinh Tran, DC, CCSP, can treat nerve compression from herniated discs with Non-surgical spinal decompression and other methods. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
A herniated disc is a complication within the back, specifically the spine. This complication usually happens in the cervical spine (neck) or the lumbar spine (lower back) and results in back or neck pain as well as referred pain in the upper or lower extremities.
To understand what a herniated disc is, you have to understand the anatomy of the spine. Your spine includes bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other and offer protection for your spinal cord.
Between the vertebrae are round, cushion-like tissue structures called discs. They absorb shock and give your spine some flexibility.
When the outer portion of a disc ruptures, the inner portion can push out into the spinal canal. This is a herniated disc, and it can compress various nerves exiting the spinal cord. The symptoms you experience from a herniated disc depend on its location and severity.
Herniated discs are a common result of disc degeneration or degenerative disc disease. Much like all other tissues in your body, including the skin and various other organs, your discs can decline in quality with age. A healthy disc has a sponge-like consistency and is flexible.
When discs degenerate, they become more rigid. This makes them prone to herniation or bulging. While most people can’t pinpoint specifically when a herniated disc happened, factors like gravity, joint dysfunction, and trauma can put you at a greater risk of a herniated disc.
The team at Joint Effort Chiropractic treats disc herniation using a form of chiropractic care called Non-surgical spinal decompression.
Computer-controlled Non-surgical spinal decompression gently stretches your spine to separate the vertebrae. This reduces pressure in and around a disc, which allows the herniated portion to slip back into its place. This in turn relieves pressure on any nearby nerves.
Alongside spinal decompression, the team can treat a herniated disc and its symptoms with:
By following your treatment plan, you can reduce the symptoms that come with nerve compression from a herniated disc. Approaches like nutritional counseling and custom shoe orthotics may also reduce your risk for herniated discs in the future.
To schedule an evaluation and treatment consultation for a herniated disc, call Joint Effort Chiropractic or book an appointment online today.