What Is A Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. When a disc degenerates, it cannot absorb water properly which can lead to a crack or tear in the outer region of the disc tissue (the annuals fibrosis) which then allows the soft inner region ( the nucleus pulposus) to leak out into the spinal column.
Why Does A Herniated Disc Matter?
The process of disc degeneration that leads to a herniated disc is significant enough on its own. When discs degenerate in the spine, they can begin to bulge into the spinal column and bone spurs begin to develop which negatively effect range of motion. As the disc loses its mass, the openings where the nerves protrude out the spinal column begin to get smaller and smaller. This can result in the nerves getting pinched. This is when a person can begin to experience symptoms in their body that seem to have nothing to do with their spine. To add to all of this, when a disc becomes degenerated enough it can herniate — which can worsen existing symptoms and create new ones. A disc herniation is a great indication that a persons discs are degenerated to a point where they are in need of treatment.
What Causes A Herniated Disc?
The main way a disc can herniate is through the disc degeneration caused by misaligned vertebrae. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of misaligned vertebrae:
- Poor postural habits
- Car accidents
- Spinal trauma
- Birth
- Sports injuries
- Blows to the head or body
- Dental work or surgery
Potential Symptoms Of Herniated Discs
- Searing Neck pain
- Muscle weakness
- Arm pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Back Pain
- Carpal Tunnel
- Searing back pain
- Fatigue
- Hand/Wrist pain
- Headaches
- Radial Tunnel
- Pain/Numbness in Arms/Hands
- Sciatica
- Tendonitis
- Muscle Tension
- Migraines
- Hip/Leg Pain
- Bowel and/or bladder incontinence
How To Fix Herniated Discs
Herniated discs don’t necessarily need surgery if treated properly . The way thousands of people have successfully treated their herniated discs is through the most advanced and clinically proven chiropractic technique: Chiropractic BioPhysics. If you live in the Denver/Boulder area, give us a call at Terry Chiropractic and tell us you read this article. We will schedule you with a complimentary exam, follow up appointment, and massage. If you live elsewhere — go ahead and check the Chiropractic BioPhysics website for a CBP certified doctor near you.
