Herniated Disc

Sciatica and other painful back problems are often caused by a herniated disc. While surgery is a popular option for repairing or replacing discs, you could avoid these invasive procedures with help from our team at Pure Health Aurora in Aurora, Illinois. We have considerable expertise and experience in non-invasive methods to help herniated discs heal and relieve pain. Call Pure Health Aurora to learn more, or request a consultation online today.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a spinal condition affecting the shock-absorbing discs between each vertebra.

Vertebral discs protect the bone from shockwaves coming up through your legs and back. Discs are round and have tough outer casings. The nucleus inside is a jellylike substance with a high water content to keep it spongy.

Over time, spinal discs gradually dry out, which makes them prone to flattening. Drying also weakens the outer casing, so areas that can’t contain the nucleus develop. The disc’s jellylike center might press against the casing, causing bulging. Eventually, the disc might rupture or herniate, where the nucleus squeezes out through a hole.

What symptoms does a herniated disc cause?

Herniated discs are most common in your lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). Lower back symptoms could include problems with your legs and pain spreading down to your feet. You might also be stumbling or tripping more and find it hard to move freely.

If the herniated disc is in your neck, your arms and legs could also be affected. You might have difficulty lifting and carrying or gripping items. Both neck and lower back herniations cause numbness, tingling, and weakness.

It’s possible to have a herniated disc and not know. It’s only when the herniated part of the disc presses on nerves nearby that it causes problems.

How do I prevent disc herniation?

A herniated disc isn’t always preventable, but certain risk factors make you more likely to experience this condition. Risks include:

• Unsafe lifting techniques
• Excess body weight
• Genetic tendencies
• Being unfit
• Overexertion

Activities like pulling, pushing, or twisting that you carry out regularly could bring on an acute herniated disc. They also increase your chances of weakening the disc’s outer casing. While you shouldn't avoid activity entirely, it is important to be aware of your limits. 

How is a herniated disc treated?

Resting your back is a good start because it reduces inflammation. But you should move around and gently exercise because being immobile for more than a few days could worsen your back problem.

At Pure Health Aurora, our team specializes in treating conditions like herniated discs. We often blend chiropractic techniques with other treatments, including:

• Massage therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Spinal decompression
• Trigger point injections
• Electric Stimulation
• Infrared light therapy
• Therapeutic Exercise

Durable medical equipment like a lumbar-sacral orthosis or back brace could also help alleviate back pain.

Your care team may recommend chiropractic care, a rehabilitation protocol, or joint rejuvenation. Your provider can also recommend manual or massage therapy to reduce pain and promote healing. 

At Pure Health Aurora, your herniated disc treatment in our office will cover Four Phases of Care – Relief Care, Corrective Care, Strengthening, and Wellness Care. Throughout these phases of care, our team will aim to reduce pain and inflammation, repair tissue, improve your range of motion, and help you return to doing the things you love!

Call Pure Health Aurora or request an appointment online today for expert herniated disc treatment.