A herniated disc (or disk) is an often painful condition that can occur anywhere along the length of the spine. We all know that the spine is made up of vertebrae, the backbones which surround our spinal cord. These bones not only protect the spinal cord, but also help to support our body and give us the ability to bend and move easily.

Between each of our vertebrae bones is a small disc, which acts a bit like shock absorbers for the spine thanks to their spongy nature. But they also play additional roles, allowing for adequate separation of vertebrae which enables nerves of the spine to pass through the area and connect to other parts of the body. A vertebrae disc is composed of a collagen fiber exterior and a more gelatinous substance inside the disc, which provides the cushioning. Due to a number of reasons we’ll soon explore, this jelly-like substance can sometimes get pushed through the rubbery exterior, which then causes pain and other problems. This is what’s known as a herniated disc.

Why does a herniated disc occur?

A herniated disc occurs when some or all of the jelly-like material within the disc protrudes through the outer wall of the disc. Herniated discs can be caused by a degenerative process that occurs simply due to aging discs. As we get older, part of the disc can become drier and weaken, which can then lead to a herniated disc. However, there can be other causes as well, such as trauma, which is the second most common cause of disc herniation. Lifting something heavy in an improper fashion that puts too great a strain on the back, for instance, is a common cause of a herniated disc. The condition can also be linked to a congenital disorder (something you were born with) or a connective tissue disorder.

Some of the common risk factors that may place you at a greater risk of experiencing a herniated disc include the following:

• Obesity
• Genetics
• Frequently doing work that involves lifting or straining your back
• Smoking

In addition, whether it has to do with the activities they are pursuing or the aging body, people are most likely to experience a herniated disc when they are between the ages of 35 to 50. Men are also twice as likely to develop disc problems as women.

 

What are the most common symptoms of a herniated disc?

Because a herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spinal column, the symptoms you experience will be linked to where the herniated disc happened. The most common symptoms are pain that radiates down to the buttocks, leg and foot. These types of symptoms are often experienced with a herniated disc which occurs in the lower back.

Similarly, a herniated disc in the upper back or neck region will contribute to sensations felt in the shoulder and arm. You may feel numbness or tingling in the part of the body associated with the affected nerves, and weakness in the muscles associated with these affected nerves. A herniated disc can also cause bowel or bladder problems. It is common for only one side of the body to be affected.

What’s the difference between a herniated disc, a bulging disc, and a slipped disc?

First, let’s clear up a bit of confusion. Although you may have heard someone mention experiencing a “slipped disc.” Although this term could refer to various disc conditions, it’s not an actual condition or a medical term.

When it comes to the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc, you can think of a bulging disc as a precursor to a herniation. A bulging disc is when the interior of the disc is being compressed forcing the center to protrude outward. A herniated disc occurs when there is a rupture, which is why a herniated disc is sometimes called a ruptured disc or slipped disc.

Can you feel a herniated disc with your hand?

With words like “bulging” and “slipped,” disc conditions sound substantial and like something you may even be able to feel through the skin along your spine. In reality however, the condition is not able to be detected by touching the area around the condition. That’s because no matter how significant this condition is, it is still very small and not perceptible to the human eye or touch through the skin. You may however feel a greater level of sensitivity in the region affected by a disc condition.

How can a herniated disc impact your daily life?

The pain a herniated disc condition causes can be significant and is often chronic if not addressed. This can lead to a decreased quality of life. In some cases, herniated discs can cause nerve damage resulting in muscle weakness. If the nerves are compressed for a long period of time, there is a risk of muscle atrophy, which can significantly affect your daily life. Another way in which a herniated disk can affect your daily life is less mobility, which can also have a large effect on your daily activities. The condition can also make walking or even standing difficult, which can severely limit daily activities. The pain, numbness, and tingling that a herniated disc causes can be exhausting for anyone, particularly because this can be a long-term, chronic experience.

What are common treatments for a herniated disc?

Over-the-counter medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are a common method for patients to dull or mask the pain of a herniated disc. If and when those medicines become ineffective at covering up symptoms, stronger prescription painkillers will often be the next step to manage symptoms. Opioids, nerve pain medications, muscle relaxants, and injections are management options commonly presented for a herniated disc.

What are the drawbacks/side effects of traditional treatments?

There are a number of side effects to traditional treatments. For example, the long-term use of NSAIDs poses the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding in the digestive tract, and kidney issues, among other problems. The dangers of opioids are widely known, particularly due to their addictive nature and that patients can develop a tolerance to such medication, which then increases the risk of overdose. These painkillers can also cause nausea, dizziness, blood pressure fluctuation, and breathing problems. Injections which are close to the spine, run the risk of causing nerve damage, bleeding, or infection.

How can chiropractic care help alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Chiropractors are experts in the health and wellness of the spine, making them particularly well-trained in conditions such as herniated discs. In fact, independent research studies have shown that chiropractic care helps to relieve the pressure aggravating the discs of the vertebrae, allowing the body to heal.

Relief for Herniated Disc Pain in North Jersey

At Oakland Spine & Physical Therapy, we offer a full complement of therapies that address the reason for your herniated disc, with therapies that relieve the pressure causing the hernia to occur and providing therapies which encourage the body’s natural healing processes. This approach provides long-lasting treatment that pain killing medications overlook. These safe, non-invasive, all-natural treatments include:

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression involves lying down on a special table that uses motorized traction to stretch your spine, thus taking pressure off the herniated disc and helping it to return to its original position. This may relieve the pain by removing the pressure from the irritated nerves. Oakland Spine & Physical Therapy’s Butler Spine Center Program uses an innovative approach to this therapy, which is computer-assisted to provide precise, painless decompression with greater efficiency and accuracy.

Deep Tissue Laser Therapy

Our advanced laser therapy system provides an effective way to encourage more rapid healing within the body, in a comfortable and safe topical application. Non-invasive and extremely safe, our patients report enhanced healing by way of this laser treatment which works to accelerate healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Spinal Manipulation

With an experienced team of chiropractors, Oakland Spine & Physical Therapy provides comprehensive care without the need for surgery or the risks of pain medication, which simply masks the pain, rather than addressing the root cause. Spinal manipulation is a gentle, non-invasive procedure which guides the body back into balance, eliminating the pressure resulting in a herniated disc. Many patients experience significant relief after just a few of these spinal adjustments.

Physical Therapy

In addition to addressing inflammation and pressure within the spine, Oakland Spine & Physical Therapy also provides care to strengthen the body and prevent further injury. This is important for herniated disc conditions because certain movements and posture changes can directly affect the vertebrae. By strengthening the back, we can help you remove the pressure which is causing the herniated disc, encouraging further healing and helping to prevent further damage.