Herniated Disc Chiropractor in Wheat Ridge CO

Herinated-Disc

HERNIATED DISC PAIN RELIEF TREATMENT IN Wheat Ridge

Herniated discs (commonly called a slipped disc) are a more severe injury than a bulging or protruding disc. When the tough fibrous outer covering (annulus) of an intervertebral disc splits open, it allows the shock-absorbing jelly-like center (nucleus) to extrude outside the disc. The material that pushes outside the annulus can pinch nerves and put pressure on the spinal cord. This can cause radiating pain from the neck or back, where the disc is located, out to the arms or legs. The good news is that chiropractic care with Dr. Al Simeone in Wheat Ridge often provides lasting relief for herniated discs.

Chiropractic adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments

Poor Posture

Spinal Decompression

soft tissue therapy

Shockwave Therapy

therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic Exercise

Our Chiropractor in Wheat Ridge Explains Herniated Disc Pain Relief

Although MRI is used to identify and confirm a herniated disc, physical exam and X-ray are used to determine the best treatment option. The majority of herniated discs respond positively to chiropractic care, but in the most severe cases, surgery might be necessary. Intervertebral discs herniate for several reasons including but not limited to:

Habitual poor posture (at home, work & while exercising, etc.)

Poor lifting form
A sudden collision type accident (Auto accident injury, slipping and falling down, sports injury etc.)
If an intervertebral disc has previously been bulging or weakened, even a sudden sneeze, cugh, or just bending over to pick something up off the floor can split open a disc, allowing the nucleus to herniate out, painfully pinching the nerves.

What causes herniated discs

Disc herniation occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior. This can happen due to factors such as age-related wear and tear, sudden force from an accident, or repetitive strain that degrades the disc’s integrity.

Over time, the disc may weaken, making it susceptible to herniation during everyday activities like lifting or twisting. Once the disc protrudes, it can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in various parts of the body.

herniated disc image
Injury

Herniated disc caused by an auto accident in Wheat Ridge, CO

A herniated disc from an auto accident can occur due to the sudden, forceful impact that jolts the spine. This trauma can cause the disc’s soft inner material to rupture through its tougher outer layer.

The rapid deceleration or direct blow to the spine during an accident places intense pressure on the discs, making them susceptible to tearing and displacement, leading to nerve irritation and severe pain in affected areas.

soft tissue therapy

Herniated disc caused by sporting injuries

A herniated disc can occur during sports activities that involve intense physical impact or strain. Activities such as football, weightlifting, or gymnastics can expose the spine to excessive stress, leading to tears in the outer layer of a spinal disc.

When this happens, the soft inner material of the disc can protrude through the tear, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain. This condition is known as a herniated disc and can significantly impair mobility and performance in athletes.

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Herniated disc caused by poor posture & ergonomics

Prolonged poor posture and inadequate ergonomics can lead to a herniated disc by placing continuous, uneven pressure on the spine. This sustained strain can weaken the outer layer of a spinal disc, making it susceptible to tears.

Once the outer layer is compromised, the inner gel-like core of the disc may bulge out and press against nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Maintaining proper posture and ergonomic practices is crucial to minimizing the risk of developing a herniated disc.

Although some herniated discs can require surgery, the majority of them heal successfully with non-invasive, drug-free chiropractic care. If you are dealing with a herniated disc make sure to speak with our chiropractor to discuss your options so you can get the most effective relief from pain and healthcare options for your situation. Dr. Al can help you by using these treatments.

therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic Exercise

Therapeutic exercises taught by Dr. Al Simeone retrain your muscles to maintain proper posture naturally by strengthening your core. By retraining your muscle memory naturally you can avoid future damage to your intervertebral discs.
soft tissue therapy

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to target areas of chronic pain and promote healing. The therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by enhancing blood circulation and cell regeneration, reducing inflammation, and breaking down calcified fibroblasts. Ideal for patients seeking alternatives to surgery, shockwave therapy offers quick sessions with minimal discomfort and no downtime, leading to significant improvements in pain and functionality.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic adjustments

Gonstead Chiropractic spinal adjustments correct one of the major causes of herniated discs—spinal subluxations. Our chiropractor can correct posture and spinal alignment of vertebrae with gentle and precise spinal adjustments. Gonstead chiropractic care is the gold standard for treating bulging and herniated discs by adjusting the vertebrae to bring the herniation or protrusion away from the nerves and back into the center of the intervertebral disc. This relieves undue pressure from discs and the nerves for welcome pain relief.
Chiropractic

Spinal Decompression

The Disc Chiropractic offers Triton DTS Spinal Decompression table which may help you avoid surgery or injections. Spinal decompression tables are designed to create a precise and gentle force to relieve pressure off herniated and bulging discs.

FAQ’s for Herniated Disc

How do herniated discs happen?

The spinal disc is made up of two parts. A central nucleus composed of water and collagen that has a jelly-like consistency and an outer ring called the annulus fibrosus made of a tough fibrocartilage. A disc herniation occurs when there is a tear in the annulus fibrosus and the central nucleus pushes out through the tear. When this occurs it commonly irritates the nerve or spinal cord.

When is surgery needed for a herniated disc?

Surgery is recommended for a herniated disc in four situations. If you have: continued symptoms despite nonsurgical treatments, Intractable (unbearable) pain, progressive strength loss or cauda equina syndrome.

Herniated discs should first be treated with conservative care such as chiropractic, therapeutic exercises, soft tissue therapy and improving ergonomics or making lifestyle changes.

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome is a very rare condition requiring surgery. Symptoms include Pain in the back and/or the leg, numbness including saddle anesthesia, weakness and urinary retention and bladder & bowel incontinence.

Will a herniated disc heal?

If the disc herniation is treated your pain, numbness, tingling and or muscle weakness can be healed with chiropractic care. If a disc herniation is not treated the disc material (nucleus & annulus) will progress to degenerative disc disease and finally spinal fusion.

Why do I feel pain in my leg if the herniated disc is in my back?

Nerves from the spinal cord exit the spinal column between vertebrae (spinal bones) and travel to different parts of the body. Pain can be felt down your leg if the nerves in the lower back are injured as they pass between vertebrae.

Which herniated discs causes sciatica?

Sciatic nerve pain can occur when the L3-L4, L4-L5 or L5-S1 discs are herniated or bulging. These nerves come together to form the sciatic nerve which travels down the back of the legs.

What is the sciatic nerve?

The sciatic nerve is a group of nerves that comes together after exiting the spine and travels down the back of the leg. The sciatic nerve controls muscle movement for the muscles in the back of the leg and sensation for the back and outer part of the leg as well as the sole of the foot.

What kind of doctor deals with herniated discs?

Chiropractic is the gold standard for direct treatment of herniated discs. Chiropractic adjustments are corrections of your spinal alignment, allowing the herniated nucleus to move back into the spinal disc for natural healing.
Schedule an appointment If you struggle with any of the symptoms of a herniated disc, please contact our chiropractor in Wheat Ridge today
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