Disc Bulge/Herniation
Linda came into Macomb Township Chiropractic with bulging and herniated discs that were causing severe sciatica, and low back pain, that she rated as a 10, on a scale from 1 to 10. In her testimonial video, she actually stated it was “a 10 +”. She stated that every aspect of her life was being affected from her inability to sleep, walk, sit up and eat, and she missed about a month of work because of it. Linda told us she was seeing another chiropractor for a few months, but the pain continued to get worse instead of better. Her doctor tried giving her cortisone shots to help with the pain, but it did not help at all.
We took x-rays of Linda on her first visit and Dr. Chris found multiple areas of her spine that were out of alignment which were contributing to nerve and disc pressure. She also brought in a copy of a recent MRI which showed she had bulging and herniated discs. She began a care plan which included regular adjustments, disc decompression therapy, and postural rehabilitation therapy. After just 6 weeks of treatment,Linda showed definite improvement! Linda listed her herniated disc and low back pain as being moderately better and her sciatica and leg pain totally better. Three months into therapy, Linda was able to return to work, sleep without sciatica pain, and walk “without much pain”! After one year of treatment, Linda says she is mostly pain free and lists her pain level at a 1. She stated she is able to sleep right again, sit up to eat, “walk miles without feeling pain”, work all day, and feels great!
Also Linda’s MRI showed her disc bulge / Herniation was almost completely healed.
DISC PROBLEMS
Anyone who has experienced disc problems knows how painful it can be! Spinal Discs (Intervertebral Discs) are the rubbery pads in-between the vertebrae, or the bones that make up your spinal cord. These gel or fluid filled discs act as a cushion, and support the spinal cord and all the trillions of nerves that run through it. As we age, these discs lose elasticity and begin to harden, and make them more prone to injury. Disc injuries include: disc strains and sprains, degenerative disc disease, and protruded or herniated discs.
What are the Symptoms of a Bulging or Herniated Disc?
A disc strain or sprain is much like a muscle sprain in other parts of the body. It can be caused by excessive load, trauma, or force, and causes pain, irritation, and inflammation. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the water content of the discs decreases. This normal aging process increases friction between the spinal bones, and can sometimes lead to bone growths, or spurs, around the discs. This can cause intense pain which often worsens by prolonged sitting or increased activity. Herniated or “slipped” discs occur when some of the soft center of the disc pushes through a crack of the exterior casing. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain at the site, radiating pain in the surrounding nerves, or numbness, weakness, and altered nerve function.
What Kind of Problems Arise from Disc Issues?
Disc injuries can cause pain in the immediate area, as well as pain in surrounding tissues, muscles, hip, and legs. They can cause difficulty sleeping, impaired mobility, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling in legs and arms, physical disability, and an overall diminished quality of life. Often if the disc does not improve, surgery is recommended to correct the problem. Any spinal surgery comes with risks, and recovery time can be extensive.
How Does Chiropractic Help?
Studies have shown chiropractic treatment for disc injuries to be superior to other conventional therapies such as pain relievers, steroid injections or physical therapy, as well as home treatments such as exercise, bed rest, or heat. Chiropractic can relieve pain, free up pinched nerves, and accelerate healing by opening up the disc space and relieving pressure. Chiropractic can also stop disc degeneration from getting worse, avoiding the possible need for surgery.
What Does Macomb Township Chiropractic Offer?
At Macomb Township Chiropractic, Dr. Chris McNeil treats many people with disc problems. Our state of the art Disc Decompression machine gently pulls and separates the discs, which immediately relieves nerve pressure. Therapy with our pulsating adjustment instrument stimulates the nerves and muscles and decreases pain. Manual spinal manipulation by Dr. Chris reduces pain, increases muscle recovery, relieves pinched nerves, and boosts the natural immune system to promote healing. Disc issues can also result from a misalignment of the spine. With our postural rehabilitation therapy, the brain can be retrained to realign the spine closer to a natural position, improving disc health and nerve function.
