Back pain is one of the most common reason patients visit their doctors. According to a survey, around 65 million Americans have recently experienced back pain. Additionally, approximately 8% of individuals have persistent and chronic back discomfort.

Maintaining a bad posture for an extended period is one of the biggest causes of back pain. Still, this is not the only common explanation. A herniated disc is another cause that many individuals may ignore. A herniated disc causes chronic back discomfort, which may lessen with time. There is typically no need for surgery, but you will need to make a few adjustments.

A Herniated Disc

The spine is a complex body structure of various parts working together to improve body function. It mainly features the vertebrae, nerves, and discs. The disc makes for a rubbery cushion between vertebrae. The vertebrae and the cushions stack alternatively to form the main structure of the spine. 

Due to certain circumstances, the rubbery exterior of a cushion may tear. When this happens, the interior of the disc, also known as the nucleus, may start to push out through the tear. The pushing force can come from undue pressure or excessive weight on your spine. When this happens, you have a herniated or ruptured disc.

What Are the Symptoms?

A herniated or ruptured disc can lead to various symptoms affecting your quality of life. The symptoms will vary with the location of the herniated disc. Most commonly, herniated discs happen in the lower back or the neck. Here are the most common symptoms:

Arm or Leg Pain

When you get a herniated disc in your lower back, you will inevitably feel pain in the area. However, you will also experience pain in your glutes, thighs, and calf. Sometimes, the pain may radiate down to your foot. 

When you get herniated disc in your neck, the most pain will be in your shoulders, arms, and even radiate into your hands and fingers. When you cough, sneeze, or take up certain positions, your pain may radiate to your leg or arm. You may describe the pain as burning or sharp.

Tingling or Numbness

With this condition, you may feel tingling or numbness. It usually comes from the disc affecting the nerves that travel along and serve that area of your body. 

Weakness

Because the nerves become impacted, you will notice that your muscles in the affected areas become weak. You may find that you need help to hold certain items or start stumbling when moving. 

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

To properly align your body and restore its function, a chiropractor can use several strategies. Some of these include:

 

• Structural correction of misaligned vertebrae
   

• Structural corrective traction to lessen the compression of discs
   

• Structural corrective exercises
   

• Structural sleeping pillow
   

• Supplementation

These corrections safely move the herniated discs back to their proper positions. This movement promotes healing and relieves pressure from the nerves. These structural corrections are also instrumental in correcting proper joint biomechanics that may have led to the herniated disc.

For more on what a herniated disc is or how to get treated, contact Premier Chiropractic of Tyler at our office in Tyler, Texas. Call (903) 602-1600 to book an appointment today.