Should I See a Chiropractor For A Herniated Disc? Yes, Here’s Why

Herniated discs are a common car accident injury that can leave you in severe pain and impacted mobility. If you are dealing with pain from a herniated or bulging disc, you might be wondering how to get the pain to stop.

Not to worry! That’s what our team here at Impact Medical Zephyrhills is here for. We explain how a herniated disc happens and how our chiropractic team can help you heal. Ready? Let’s get started!

What Exactly is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a relatively common medical condition that affects the spine. It occurs when the soft cushion-like discs between the vertebrae, which provide support and flexibility to the spine, bulge out or rupture. This puts pressure on the surrounding nerves and can result in pain, numbness, tingling sensations, or weakness in one or both legs.

Treatment options for a herniated disc depend on its severity and location but may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgery in more severe cases.

Symptoms of Herniated Discs

Herniated discs can cause intense pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness in various parts of the body. The symptoms experienced by a person with a herniated disc may vary depending on which part of the spine is affected.

However, some common symptoms include:

• Sharp pains in one side or both sides of your lower back, buttocks, or legs that intensify during physical activities like bending over or lifting heavy objects.

• Muscle weakness accompanied by difficulty standing up straight or walking. This can be due to nerve compression causing reduced signals from your brain to your muscles. A person experiencing this symptom may also find it challenging to lift their foot while walking and drag it instead.

What About Chiropractic Care?

Does chiropractic care help with herniated discs? The answer is yes! Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for herniated discs.

To treat herniated discs, chiropractors use a variety of techniques including:

• Spinal adjustments: involve the use of controlled force to realign the spine and improve its function.
• Spinal decompression therapy: involves stretching the spine using a special table or device to relieve pressure on the affected disc
• Soft tissue manipulation: involves massaging or stretching the muscles around the affected disc.

Through these techniques and others, chiropractors can reduce inflammation and alleviate pressure on the affected disc, which can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion.

Can I Exercise After Treatment for a Herniated Disc?

Once you undergo treatment for a herniated disc, you may wonder whether it is safe to exercise or not. The answer is yes but with some limitations and precautions. It is crucial to remember that each case of a herniated disc is unique, and therefore, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor before engaging in any physical activity.

One thing to note is that not all exercises are created equal when it comes to a herniated disc. You should avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping, as they can put stress on your spine and exacerbate the problem. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming that won’t cause further harm but will still help keep you active.

Another essential factor to consider is proper form during exercise. Proper posture and alignment are key elements in avoiding additional injury.

When in doubt, ask your physical therapist or chiropractor for tips on how to ease back into exercise after completing your treatment plan.

Move Forward from a Herniated Disc

Dealing with a herniated disc can be debilitating and painful. However, our compassionate chiropractic team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills can help you move forward and manage your symptoms. Our comprehensive approach includes personalized treatment plans and ongoing support to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

Don’t let a herniated disc hold you back from living your best life. Contact us today at (813) 706-5156 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free future.