Back pain.  It always seems to hit you when you have a thousand other things to do.

The vast majority of back pain symptoms are caused by a mechanical problem in the spine. Some of these include: a herniated disc, bulging disc, pinched nerve, or a subluxation.

Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc occurs when the disc between two vertebrae ruptures or tears.  In between each of the vertebrae that make up your spine are rubbery cushions called discs.  They are like jelly donuts with a softer center and a tough exterior.  A herniated disc occurs when some of the “jelly” spills outside the rubbery exterior through an opening or crack.

When this fluid spills out, it can irritate your nearby nerves causing pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness in your arms or legs.

The good news is that most people don’t need surgery to correct a herniated disc.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

In Kansas City, herniated discs occur most often in people over the age of 50.  As you age, your discs gradually begin to degenerate, especially if there are areas of your spine that are locked up and less flexible.

These are called subluxations.  They may or may not cause pain.

Your discs also begin losing water content as you get older.  This makes them less flexible and more-likely to tear.

Herniated discs often occur gradually, over time.  They may begin as a bulging disc and then rupture into a disc herniation.

The following factors increase your risk of having a herniated disc:

• Excess Weight – Extra body weight stresses the joints in your lower back.
• Lifting Improperly – Using your back muscles to lift heavy objects instead of your legs can put your spine into a compromised position often causing a herniated disc over time.

Signs of a Herniated Disc

Most herniated discs occur in the low back.  The most common signs are:

• Leg Pain – Herniated discs that occur near the sciatic nerve will likely cause pain in the buttocks and down the back of your leg.
• Burning or Numbness – People with a herniated disc may have numbness or a burning or tingling sensation down the back of the thigh.  It’s often described as a sensation of “pins and needles”.
• Weakness – The muscles around the affected nerves often become week.  This can cause you to trip or feel clumsy as you walk or stand.
• Intense pain with prolonged sitting
• Pain when bending forward or twisting

Effective Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc is diagnosed by an experienced pain management doctor.  The symptoms of a herniated disc are similar to several other problems, so correctly diagnosing the true source of your pain is critical to successful treatment.

Chiropractors specialize in treating the spine. 

Our team of chiropractors are specifically trained to diagnose and treat any symptoms associated with the mechanical function of your spine and joints.

Through a physical and neurological examination, X-rays or an MRI scan, they can obtain an accurate diagnosis.  These tests can uncover abnormal reflexes, pain and abnormal sensations while moving.

Once diagnosed, your chiropractor will utilize chiropractic adjustments to gently restore motion to joints that are locked-up or fixated.  Over time, your disc will begin to heal.

Your doctor may also prescribe exercises that will help to support and strengthen the muscles surrounding your injured disc.

Open 7 Days a week, our 11 Kansas City Chiropractors treat hundreds of cases of herniated discs each year.

If you think you may have a herniated disc, contact us at our office in Kansas City at 913-764-6237 and ask to speak with one of our doctors.  We’re always happy to answer questions and work closely with several local MRI providers – giving our patients the best price for the latest technology.