Herniated Discs in Madison, OH

Herniated discs cause a range of symptoms, such as numbness, sharp and radiating pain and feelings of weakness in your back. In some cases, herniated discs cause no symptoms, so early treatment is important to prevent further damage. French Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madison offers treatments for herniated discs to the residents of Painesville, Mentor and surrounding communities in Ohio.

Residents of Painesville, Mentor, and surrounding Ohio towns know they can depend upon French Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madison for treatment of herniated discs and relief of related back discomfort. The advanced chiropractic facility is devoted to providing safer alternatives to back surgery and expensive prescriptions. The goal of applying these natural methods is to restore your ability to move freely and comfortably through proven and reliable solutions.

What is a Disc?

The vertebral column, sometimes referred to as your spine, is a complex structure made up primarily of a multitude of blocks of bone. These blocks are known as the vertebrae. Between each of these vertebrae are discs, which are flat structures in the shape of a biscuit. Each disc contains a flexible jelly-like center as well as an outer skin known as the annulus, which is extremely strong. The overall function of the disc is to provide shock absorption and flexibility, and to give adequate space to the nerves of the spine. When your discs are damaged, both the cushioning effect and shock absorption functions are compromised, which may lead to severe back pain.

What is a “Slipped Disc?” 

Many people refer to “slipped discs”, but this term is incredibly inaccurate. Although it is possible for a disc to split, herniate, or experience wear, they cannot slip. Additionally, under normal and healthy conditions, your disc is a strong part of the spine and stronger than the vertebrae that it helps to cushion. In fact, for most people, a compression injury to their spine is far more likely to result in vertebrae fractures than disc injuries. However, certain repetitive strains upon the discs can result in significant damage. Common causes of disc wear and tear occur due to

• Constant bending
• Sitting for prolonged periods, particularly with driving
• Lifting repeatedly
• Subjecting the spine to an abnormal amount of twisting

These types of injuries can cause the fibers of the annulus to tear, which in turn results in the nucleus leaking out of its place in the center of the disc. This condition is referred to as disc herniation.

Due to the leakage of the nucleus, you may experience a significant inflammatory reaction. This type of reaction can result in pressure being put on the nerves next to the damaged disc. Sciatica, or leg pain, often results when the affected discs are in the lower portion of the back. Arm pain is a frequent side effect of discs that are damaged within the neck area. It is also possible to experience internal disc damage that does not result in leakage. This condition is painful but unlikely to result in arm or leg pain.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

While the lower back is the area where most people experience herniated discs, the condition can occur in any part of your spine, including the neck. Since the herniated disc places additional pressure on the nerves and muscles surrounding the spine, this can result in a variety of symptoms around and near the location of the damaged disc.

Symptoms of herniated discs include

• Numbness that is most commonly experienced on one side of your body
• Pain that may be experienced on only one side of the body or that may extend to your arms or legs
• Increases in pain levels at night
• Increases in pain levels after you have been standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Pain that occurs after walking for short distances
• Muscle weakness that is otherwise unexplainable
• General sensations of tingling, burning, or aching on or near the damaged disc

How Common are Herniated Discs?

Estimates show that only 3% to 5% of patients suffering from lower back pain are experiencing disc herniation. However, in a study that involved taking MRI scans of individuals without any symptoms, it was found that 4 out of 10 people had the condition and 8 out of 10 demonstrated the less aggressive disc bulges. Since it is the inflammation that causes the pain associated with the condition, not everyone with a herniated disc will experience symptoms. For those that do, the injury can be very serious and may require surgery. But surgery is a necessity in only a very small number of cases.

What Should I Do to Prevent Disc Injuries?

Each time that you bend forward, you increase your risk of developing a herniated disc. Your risk further increases if you bend forward while holding a heavy load or if you bend forward while sitting. This means that certain exercises place extra strain upon your disc, such as those that involve repetitive twisting and bending movements in weight-bearing positions.

The following precautions will reduce the pressure exerted upon your discs

• Avoiding prolonged sitting, carrying, or twisting
• Only performing heavy manual work while wearing a support belt
• Avoiding prolonged driving trips

Additionally, the following risk factors may increase the likelihood of disc injuries

• Previous back pain episodes
• Poor physical fitness or poor core development
• Employment in manual labor that requires lifting and bending
• Employment that requires sitting and vibration
• Smoking

What is the Treatment for Herniated Discs?

French Chiropractic and Wellness Center uses two forms of spinal decompression including flexion/distraction chiropractic tables, and a spinal decompression table delivering FDA-approved spinal decompression therapy to treat herniated discs. The procedure involves the use of a decompression table to decompress the spine with the use of position and distraction through non-surgical means. This alternative to spinal surgery produces and sustains negative pressure between the vertebrae, thereby allowing the disc to replenish its levels of oxygen, nutrients and fluids. The overall effect is similar to a vacuum in its ability to guide the disc back into its proper position. The use of the decompression table has been proven safe and effective as a treatment for pain in the back and neck. Unlike other treatments for back pain, it is a typically pain-free and comfortable for patients regardless of their specific degree of discomfort. Decompression treatment replaces the outdated traction tables that merely stretched the length of the spine.

With the advanced technology available, those suffering from chronic and severe pain in the back, neck, arms, and legs are able to experience increased function and flexibility. Through experienced chiropractic care, dysfunctional vertebral regions are corrected, and pain is reduced. French Chiropractic and Wellness Center, located in Madison, Ohio, is a top choice for those suffering from back pain.

Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of herniated discs, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment.