Slipped Disc

• Common Causes of Herniated Discs

  The spine is a delicate structure, and while your discs are protected by a tough outer layer, that doesn’t mean they are invulnerable. On the contrary, many different factors or events can lead to the herniation of a disc.

  For example, if your job requires you to bend down repeatedly or do a lot of heavy lifting, you are routinely putting excessive pressure on your discs. Over time, this pressure can cause one or more of your discs to rupture. Similarly, individuals who are overweight are at higher risk for herniated disks, due to the extra pressure that their body weight is putting on their spines.  Smokers also suffer a higher risk in disc and joint related degenerative injuries.

  Age can also be a factor. As you get older, your discs just naturally become more vulnerable to injury. If you live an active lifestyle or lift heavy objects on a regular basis, you could rupture one of your discs more quickly than you would have when you were younger.

  Other lifestyle factors—like poor posture, prolonged periods of sitting each day or lots of driving/commuting—can also increase your risk for a herniated disc.

• Treating a Herniated Disc

  In some cases, disc injuries are so severe that they require surgery to repair the spine, eliminate pain and restore full body function. The good news is that only a small percentage of patients suffering from herniated discs will need surgery.

  The better news is that only a limited number of back injuries are diagnosable as herniated discs. Sciatica, for instance, is sometimes caused by a herniated disc but is usually the result of a less severe pinched nerve issue. Basic misalignment of the spinal column can often be to blame for back pain or radiating arm and leg pain.

  With that said, if you are struggling with any of the symptoms associated with herniated discs, it is a good idea to see a chiropractic professional right away. Your chiropractor will be able to examine your spine, determine the location and scope of your injury and recommend the best treatment path for your injury.

  If you do have a herniated disc, but the issue isn’t so severe that surgery is necessary, your chiropractor will use spinal adjustments and appropriate management to relieve the pressure on your disc and stop the resulting inflammation. This treatment—combined with therapeutic exercises and other techniques—will help to heal your spine and prepare you for recovery.

  Current evidence supports chiropractic care as effective management and cost effective recovery of disc injuries. It has been revealed as good as or more effective than other modalities,  including medication and surgery,  and relatively at a much lower risk.