Say Goodbye to Herniated Disc Pain: How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Heal

Many people come into my office with a history of a herniated disc.  They are a common spinal condition that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the back and limbs. Also known as slipped or ruptured discs, they occur when the soft, gel-like material inside a spinal disc bulges or leaks out through a tear in the outer layer, called the annulus fibrosis. Do you have a herniated disc?

While most people think this gel presses on the nerves, physically causing a pinched nerve, it is much more likely that the injury is creating an inflammatory response in the body, which then irritates the nerve.

Many people with a herniated disc can find relief through non-surgical and drug-free options. I, myself, have had 2 severely herniated discs for over 20 years and never went down the road of surgery.

Here are some of the most effective approaches to address herniated disc pain:

• Chiropractic care: Top priority! Chiropractic care helps restore the function of the nervous system, allowing the body to heal, improve joint mobility, and reduce inflammation. Many people with a herniated disc experience no symptoms at all.
• Movement:  Many people report an improvement in herniated disc symptoms with mild to moderate exercise, like walking and stretching.  You may find yourself thinking, “I’m stiff in the morning, but fine once I get moving.”
• Rest and activity modification: In the early stages of a herniated disc, rest and limited activity can help relieve pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to avoid too much bed rest, as this can weaken the muscles and prolong recovery time.  See 2 above.
• Restorative Yoga: A good practitioner can help improve your mobility, thus reducing pain and improving range of motion, along with helping to lengthen and stabilize the spine.
• Hot and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Heat therapy can help relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold therapy can help numb the area and reduce swelling.

Other factors that help address a herniated disc:

In addition to these non-surgical treatments, lifestyle changes can also help improve the symptoms of herniated discs. First of all, lower the contents of your inflammation bucket.  The less inflammation you have overall, the less pain and stiffness you may experience.  Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and engaging in regular exercise can all help improve your health and reduce the risk of future injuries.

With the right chiropractor and self-care, many people with herniated discs are able to find relief and regain their mobility and quality of life.

Resources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25391323/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9567239/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9467101/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8169540/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16517383/

Dr. Kalaba is a chiropractor in Tucson, AZ, practicing gentle chiropractic care and providing health tips to help you live the best rest of your life.