Disc Injury
Repeated strain to the spine, especially bending and lifting, can result in wear and tear on the discs between the vertebrae in our neck or back. This doesn’t always result in a problem; many of us have minor wear and tear to these discs and don’t even know it. In some cases, however, this wear can allow the fluid contained in the disc to bulge out, which can compress the nerve where it exits the spinal canal.
The symptoms of this include local neck or back pain, with nerve symptoms like numbness or tingling radiating into the arm or leg. This pain is typically aggravated by sneezing, coughing, bending or straining. In some cases, patients may even develop weakness of the muscles in the arm or leg.
Chiropractors are well-trained in diagnosing this type of injury, and helping it get better faster. Our approach to treatment is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve by helping improve joint movement and relieve tension in affected muscles. We also prescribe exercises to reduce the pressure of the disc on the nerve in the short term, and increase core strength to better stabilize you and prevent re-aggravation in the long term.
