Causes and Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Man in pain at a desk from herniated disc

Do You Have a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also called a "slipped" disc, could be the source of that nagging pain in your lower back or legs. Fortunately, your chiropractor offers several treatments that can help ease your pain.

How Do Herniated Discs Cause Pain?

Rubbery, round discs cushion the spaces between the vertebrae in your spine and serve as shock absorbers when you jump, bend, twist, walk, and run. Each disc is composed of a soft, jelly-like core covered by a tougher outer layer. A herniation occurs when the softcore protrudes through a tear in the outer layer of the disc.

If the herniation is minor, you may not notice any symptoms. Larger herniations press against the nerves in your spinal column, triggering pain and other symptoms.

Although an injury or fall can cause a herniated disc, the condition is often related to wear and tear that happens as you age. Discs naturally degenerate over time and become stiffer, flatter, and more prone to tearing. One day, you may bend to pick up your dropped keys and feel an unexpected pain in your back.

In addition to age, gender can be a factor in the condition. Men between the ages of 20 and 50 are more likely to develop herniated discs, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Other risk factors include:

  • Not Getting Enough Exercise
  • Using Your Back Muscles to Lift Instead of Your Leg Muscles
  • Smoking
  • Participating in Physically Demanding Work or Hobbies
  • Being Overweight or Obese
  • Driving for Hours at a Time on a Regular Basis

What Symptoms Will I Experience if I Have a Herniated Disc?

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniated disc. If the problem disc is in your neck, you might notice neck pain that radiates to your shoulder, arm, and hand, along with numbness, tingling, and weakness.

The lower back is a common site for herniated discs. If the inner core of the disc presses on the nerves that travel to your legs, you may experience numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in your back, legs, or feet. Your symptoms might be worse at night or may worsen if you've been sitting or standing for a while.

In severe cases, herniated discs can affect your ability to control your bowels and bladder or make walking difficult.

What Can Be Done to Ease Herniated Disc Symptoms?

Rest and heat or ice packs can decrease pain and inflammation. Although resting as much as possible may seem like a good idea, it's best to start moving after a day or two. Too much rest can lead to muscle spasms and stiff joints.

If your pain continues despite home care measures, your chiropractor can offer treatments that may be helpful including:

  • Massage: Massage loosens tight muscles and joints, improves blood flow, and triggers the release of endorphins that act as natural pain killers.
  • Spinal Manipulation: Gentle, hands-on manipulation improves the alignment of your spine and can decrease pressure on your nerves. In a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, researchers studied whether spinal manipulation was as effective as surgery in treating sciatica caused by herniated discs. They discovered that 60 percent of patients received just as much benefit from spinal manipulation without the invasiveness of surgery.
  • Flexion-Distraction: This therapy takes place on a special therapy table that stretches your spine. Flexion-distraction is used to reposition the disc and increase its height.
  • Ultrasound Therapy: Applying ultrasound waves relaxes the muscles in your back, reduces pain, and promotes healing.
  • Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS): EMS uses a low-frequency electrical current to warm and relax tight muscles, improve blood flow, spur the production of endorphins, and speed healing.

Are you struggling with back pain? We can help you relieve your pain naturally. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Herniated Disc

Spine Universe: Chiropractic Care and Back Pain: Non-Invasive Treatment for Bulging, Ruptured or Herniated Discs

PubMed: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics: Manipulation or Microdiskectomy for Sciatica? A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study, 10/10

Harvard Health Publishing: Don’t Take Back Pain Sitting Down, 3/20

Sign-up using the form or call us at 631-728-8545 to make your appointment today!

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

10:00 - 1:00

3:00 - 7:00

Tuesday:

NRT

3:00 - 7:00

Wednesday:

10:00 - 1:00

3:00 - 7:00

Thursday:

NRT

NRT

Friday:

10:00 - 1:00

3:00 - 7:00

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

    I was very impressed with the chiropractic care I received from Dr. Anderson. I had received chiropractic in the past for my neck pain, but not to this level of care. After only a few sessions, my symptoms began to disappear, especially my neck pain, and I know I would not have been able to perform to my everyday work functions without the treatment I received.

    Neck Pain

    I have benefitted tremendously from the chiropractic care I received from Dr. Anderson. Not only has the adjustments helped alleviate my stiffness and aches, but it has helped me have more energy and just feel more balanced over all. A few months ago, I was able to resume a favorite hobby of mine: golf. Due to my previous pain, I never thought that’d be possible.

    Back Pain

    Dr. Anderson has allowed me to be headache free for quite some time now. I used to have daily nagging headaches that often would turn into a migraine leaving me unable to function. For the longest time, I thought I could just keep taking medication to have the pain subside.

    Headaches

    As a court reporter, using my hands to type on a daily basis is a requirement. The work is speedy and can often last for hours at a time. Several months ago, every movement I made became excruciatingly painful. I started seeing Dr. Anderson and he put together a program for me that helped right away. He stressed the importance of my posture and proper hand and arm placement.

    Carpal Tunnel

    It's been 7 months since I got wiped out by a monster wave. I sought treatment at the hospital and they took x-rays and said everything seemed normal, that I would just have some pain for a few days. A few days actually turned into several weeks, so at the suggestion of my girlfriend, I went to see Dr. Anderson.

    Sports Injury

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

Newsletter Sign Up