I Have a Herniated Disc: What is That, Exactly?

Did you know that in between the vertebrae in your spine, there are small, rubber, disc-shaped cushions that help with the function of your spine? These discs are important and they help to keep your back from experiencing a ton of pain. So when something wrong happens to them, it can leave you in immense pain. When you have a herniated disc, you may experience pain throughout your body. Luckily, there are treatment options available so you can get on the right track to healing and feeling better.
Here’s what you need to know about herniated discs and what you can do to correct them. 
What is a Disc?
Per the Mayo Clinic, you can think of a disc like you would a jelly donut. It’s a little sturdier on the outside, but gets softer and more jelly-like in the center. They essentially absorb the shock made to your spine when you move. Without them, certain motor skills would be too painful to do. They serve an important function in our bodies.
What Does it Mean When it’s Herniated?
When a spinal disc becomes herniated, essentially, the jelly part of the donut escapes through small tears made to the disc, causing it to bulge and become painful. A herniated disc is often referred to as a slipped or bulging disc. They commonly happen close to the neck and in the lower back.
What are the Symptoms?
If you have a herniated disc, you may experience tingling and numbness, arm and leg pain, muscle weakness, and back pain. You may experience a shooting pain when you sneeze or cough, and the pain may travel from your leg to your arm and vice versa. It may become difficult to sleep as you may struggle to find a comfortable position every night.
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Thankfully, there are treatments available that you can receive to correct a slipped disc. This may include physical therapy, certain medications, steroids, and, in some cases, surgery. One or a combination of these treatments can help you to heal and alleviate the pain and numbness you may be feeling. If you believe you have a herniated disc, it’s important to seek professional help for it.
Contact Southwest Chiropractic Today!
At Southwest Chiropractic, we offer herniated disc treatment that can help to correct your slipped disc. Give us a call today to learn more about the chiropractic services we offer.