Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped disc or disc bulge, is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and functional limitations. It occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc protrudes through the tougher outer layer. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves and spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg. Some people might experience no symptoms from a herniated disc, while others might face debilitating pain.
Herniated discs are often the result of the normal wear and tear on your spine as you age, although they can also occur due to injury. Factors such as body weight, occupation, and genetics can also play a role in the risk of developing a herniated disc.
At Regenesys Physical Medicine, our dedicated provider team is well-versed in diagnosing and treating herniated discs. We start with a comprehensive physical exam and medical history to understand your symptoms and any potential risk factors. Depending on your case, we might use diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to get a detailed look at your spine and the affected disc.
Our customized treatment plans aim to alleviate your pain, improve your function, and prevent further disc damage. Depending on the severity and location of your herniated disc, your treatment plan may include functional rehabilitation, chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy, and medical massage therapy. Bracing may also be recommended to support your spine and promote proper alignment.
Don’t let a herniated disc compromise your quality of life. Reach out to us at Regenesys Physical Medicine today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards recovery.
Herniated Disc Q&A
What are the common symptoms of a herniated disc?
Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary but commonly include pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg. However, it’s important to note that some people might experience no symptoms at all.
What are some risk factors for developing a herniated disc?
Risk factors for developing a herniated disc include normal wear and tear on your spine as you age, injury, body weight, occupation, and genetics.
What diagnostic tools do we use to identify a herniated disc?
Regenesys Physical Medicine uses a comprehensive physical exam and medical history to understand your symptoms and any potential risk factors. Depending on the case, they might use diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to get a detailed look at your spine and the affected disc.
What treatment options do we offer for herniated disc?
Regenesys Physical Medicine offers customized treatment plans which may include functional rehabilitation, chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy, medical massage, and bracing to support the spine and promote proper alignment.
What is the purpose of bracing in the treatment of herniated disc?
Bracing is used to support the spine and promote proper alignment. It helps alleviate pressure on the affected discs and nerves, which can aid in pain relief and prevent further disc damage.
What are some related conditions and treatments to a herniated disc?
- Pinched Nerve: A herniated disc can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to a condition known as a pinched nerve. This can cause pain, numbness, and other symptoms in various parts of the body. Learn more about this on the Pinched Nerve page.
- Sciatica: This is a specific type of pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to a herniated disc. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates down through the buttocks and legs. More information can be found on the Sciatica page.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition is characterized by the gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae, which can lead to a herniated disc among other problems. You can read more about this on the Degenerative Disc Disease page.
- Spinal Decompression: This is a type of therapy that can be used to treat conditions like herniated discs. It involves stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the discs. Learn more about this treatment on the Spinal Decompression page.
- Back Pain: Herniated discs can often lead to back pain, among other causes. You can learn more about the causes and treatments of back pain on the Back Pain page.
- Slipped disc: This is another term often used interchangeably with a herniated disc. It refers to the condition where the inner gel-like substance of a disc slips out through a tear in the outer layer.
- Disc protrusion: This is a type of herniated disc where the disc bulges out without rupturing the outer layer.
- Disc bulge: Similar to disc protrusion, a disc bulge refers to a condition where the disc extends outside its normal position. This can press on surrounding nerves.
- Spinal disc herniation: This is a medical term for a herniated disc. It describes the condition where the inner part of a spinal disc protrudes through the outer ring.
- Ruptured disc: This is a severe form of a herniated disc where the outer layer of the disc ruptures, allowing the inner substance to leak out.
- Lumbar disc herniation: This refers to a herniated disc in the lumbar region (lower back).
- Cervical disc herniation: This refers to a herniated disc in the cervical region (neck).
- Disc disease: This is a general term for conditions that affect the spinal discs, including herniated discs.
- Spine health: This is a broad category that includes maintaining the health of the spine, which can prevent conditions like herniated discs.
- Non-surgical disc treatment: This refers to treatments for herniated discs that don’t involve surgery, such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
- Chiropractic care for herniated disc: Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other treatments to manage herniated disc symptoms.
- Physical rehabilitation for herniated disc: This involves a variety of treatment techniques, such as exercises, stretching, and pain-relief methods, to improve the condition of a herniated disc.
- Disc pain relief: This refers to various methods used to relieve pain caused by herniated discs.
- Spinal pain: This is a symptom often treated in cases of herniated discs, with a variety of methods including medication, physical therapy, and possibly surgery. Read more via the Mayo Clinic why surgery is rarely required to address the problem: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095
I have been dealing with a herniated discs in my lower back for over 2 years. I tried injections and traditional physical therapy that somewhat relieved the pain and stiffness, but my Dr said my only other option was surgery. No way was I wanting to have back surgery, so I found Regenesys as another option to explore. After a 10 week treatment plan prescribed by Dr Wilson; which included adjustments, targeted physical therapy, spinal decompression and massage I am happy to say my pain/discomfort level has dropped from a 10 to a 2!! I know that my issues will never go away, but gaining the knowledge on how I can better manage and continue to strengthen/improve to live a better, pain free life has been invaluable! Thanks to all the great folks at Regenesys for helping me feel better!!!
Before coming to Dr. Wilson I was in constant pain. I had been treated by a traditional orthopedic spinal doctor who, in his best attempt, treated my herniated disc with medications and injections. That treatment left me with little relief and continued frustration. A friend recommended me to Dr. Wilson. I honestly didn’t expect to feel as well as I do today. I had given into the fact that this would be something I live with. However, I am an avid exerciser and did not want to give up, so my last effort was to come to Regenesys. I am so happy with my results and can’t say enough good things about Dr. Wilson and his staff…professional, courteous and above all caring. I plan to continue my therapy in a maintenance phase with them because I know they have my best interest (and my back) 😉 !