Do you suffer from back pain that shoots down your leg or tingling sensations in your feet? If so, you may be experiencing the symptoms of a disc herniation. A disc herniation is a common condition that can cause discomfort and limit your daily activities. However, there are non-invasive treatment options available, and chiropractic care is one of them. In this blog post, we will explore what a disc herniation is, how chiropractic care can help, and what to expect during a chiropractic treatment for a disc herniation.

Understanding a Disc Herniation

The spine is made up of small, spongy discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae. These discs have a tough outer layer and a soft inner core. When the outer layer of the disc becomes weak or damaged, the inner core can protrude or bulge out, causing a disc herniation. A disc herniation can result from aging, trauma, or repetitive stress on the spine.

A herniated disc can compress nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the area of the body that the affected nerve supplies. For example, if a disc herniation occurs in the lower back, it can cause pain that radiates down the leg. A disc herniation can also occur in the neck, leading to similar symptoms in the arms and hands.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is a non-surgical and drug-free treatment option for a disc herniation that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors are trained to identify misalignments in the spine and use specific spinal adjustments to correct them. By restoring proper alignment and mobility to the spine, chiropractic care aims to reduce nerve compression and promote natural healing. For a disc herniation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including massage therapy, Graston technique, electrotherapies, ultrasound, laser, and therapeutic exercise.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment

If you decide to seek chiropractic care for your disc herniation, here's what you can expect during a typical chiropractic treatment session at Stern Chiropractic Clinic:

1. Evaluation: Dr. Heifner or Dr. Stern will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, perform a physical examination, take x-rays and may order additional imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess the extent of the disc herniation.
2. Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation findings, Dr. Heifner or Dr. Stern will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
3. Treatment Sessions: During your chiropractic treatment sessions, Dr. Heifner or Dr. Stern will use various techniques to address the misalignments and nerve compression associated with the disc herniation. The number of sessions and frequency of treatments will depend on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment.
4. Home Care: Dr. Heifner or Dr. Stern may also provide recommendations for home care, such as exercises, stretches, and ergonomic adjustments to your daily activities to complement the in-office treatments and promote optimal healing.
5. Monitoring and Follow-up: Dr. Heifner or Dr. Stern will closely monitor your progress throughout the treatment process and may make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. If necessary, you may be referred out to a different doctor, such as a neurosurgeon, to continue to treat the herniation.