Disk Injury

HERNIATED DISC IN URBANDALE

Between each of the bones in your back that make up the spine is what is known as an intervertebral disc. The term “herniated disc” is used to refer to a concern with one of these discs.

These discs have a ligamentous outer layer called the annulus fibrosis and an inner liquid-like center called the nucleus pulposus. An easy way to visualize this would be to imagine a jelly-filled donut. The soft, squishy center sometimes presses into the outer layer causing damage. Over time, the nucleus penetrates the annulus causing the disc to bulge or herniate. This is also known as a ruptured disc or a slipped disc.

A herniated disc occasionally pushes up against one of the spinal nerves. When this happens, various issues can arise but most notably would be numbness or weakness in an extremity (arm or leg).

SYMPTOMS OF A HERNIATED DISC

Most cases of herniated discs occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck or mid-back. Signs and symptoms are highly dependent on where the disc is situated and if the herniation is pressing on a nerve. Herniated discs commonly damage only one side of the body.

• Weakness. Muscles get information from spinal nerves. If the spinal nerve is being compromised due to a herniated disc, this could cause muscle weakness. A person may have difficulty holding or lifting items. They may even stumble at times.
• Leg Pain or Arm. With a herniated disc in the lower back, a person typically feels pain in the buttock, thigh, and/or calf. Again, typically symptoms will be on one side of the body. When the herniation is instead in the neck, a person will feel pain in their shoulder, arm, forearm, and/or hand. Pain may be worsened with certain actions like coughing, sneezing, or changing positions. Additionally, the pain is often described to be burning, sharp, or shooting.
• Tingling or Numbness. When a nerve is being impacted by a disc herniation, it is quite common to experience numbness or tingling. Just like if you sit on your leg wrong, a disc putting pressure on a nerve can cause that numbness feeling.

Keep in mind that there’s a possibility that you could have a herniated disc with no symptoms. You may never know you have a herniated disc until it shows up on a spinal image.

CHIROPRACTIC FOR HERNIATED DISC

Look for medical attention with pain shooting down your leg or arm, or if you have a weakness, tingling, or numbness. Treatment should start with alternative therapies before looking into more aggressive options like surgery. In many cases, disc herniations can heal without surgical intervention.

Our team at Meier Family Chiropractic in Urbandale is experienced and trained to help fix and recover you from your herniated disc. Feel free to contact us today with any questions and to schedule an appointment.