How Chiropractic Care Can Help Treat Bulging and Herniated Discs
A bugling or herniated disc can be an extremely painful and debilitating condition in which an intervertebral disc in the spine slips, pinching a nerve or pressing against the spinal cord. It can be caused by aging, sudden injury, degenerative disc disease or heavy lifting.
While they are often grouped together, it’s important to differentiate between herniated and bulging discs. A herniated disc is generally a result of an untreated bulging disc. While the bulging disc remains intact, a herniated disc is broken, cracking the hard outer shell and allowing the soft tissues inside to protrude and leak fluid. A herniated disc is more serious and generally more painful in comparison.
In order to diagnose and manage the symptoms related to disc issues, contact a trusted chiropractor like Dr. Paul Amato at Advanced Family Chiropractic and Rehabilitation in Imperial, Missouri.
Symptoms of Herniated and Bulging Discs
The symptoms can vary in both their presentation and severity. The pain can progress slowly, worsening over time, or happen suddenly.
Commonly, a bulging or herniated disc produces noticeable pain. If it is pinching a nerve in the spine, it can create referred pain in other areas of the body. Other symptoms can include muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling, muscle spasms, headaches, lower back pain, and bladder or bowel changes. If the affected disc is located in your neck, it can cause pain during head movement or pain in between the shoulder blades.
How Chiropractic Care Can Manage Disc Pain
During a thorough and comprehensive examination, a chiropractor, like Dr. Amato, will assess your symptoms and body in order to properly diagnose you with a bulging or herniated disc. Dr. Amato utilizes diagnostic x-rays to get a clear picture of the spine. He will also ask about your health history and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Using holistic treatment methods, he will adjust your spine to release the stress on the vertebrae. He may also use decompression therapy, which increases the space between the discs, which in turn reduces the pressure and lessens the pain.
Contact Our Local Chiropractor For More Information
If you’re interested in managing your bulging or herniated discs with a natural, drug-free treatment, consider Dr. Amato at Advanced Family Chiropractic and Rehabilitation. For more information or to book an appointment in the Imperial, Missouri office, call 636-442-0340.
