What is a herniated disc?
One of the most common conditions that present to our office is low back disc syndrome. There are many types of disc problems, but for simplicity’s sake, we will refer to all of them as disc herniation. The disc is a soft tissue structure that is comprised of thick, layered outer rings (much like a tree) and an inner gel-like material comprised largely of water.
A disc herniation occurs when the inner portion (nucleus) squeezes out through the outer layers (annular fibers) and bulges into space outside of its normal boundaries. Small disc bulges are often non-symptomatic and are quite common. The problematic variety of disc syndromes involve the inner material squeezing out of the outer layers and pressing on nerves.
What are the signs and symptoms of a Low Back Disc Syndrome?
There are a wide variety of symptoms that accompany a disc herniation. There are even times when someone presents to our office with very little pain, but have been diagnosed with disc problems on an MRI. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a disc herniation include, but are in no way limited to the following:
- Low back pain
- Tingling and/or numbness down the back or side of the leg
- A “lightning” strike of pain down the leg while walking
- The pain usually worse with sitting
- Early mornings are typically more painful, especially in the early stages of the injury
- Leaning forward is usually more painful than leaning backward
- Leg or foot weakness
- Diminished reflexes
What causes a Low Back Disc Syndrome?
Most often a disc problem begins with the normal degenerative process of aging. The inner material (nucleus) is a liquid with high water content. As the disc wears, it loses some of the water and becomes thinner and dried out. Disc herniation can happen due to injury as well. Those who do repetitive bending and/or lifting put themselves at a higher risk of developing a disc problem. Other conditions that predispose you to disc problems are obesity, reconditioning, and even genetics.
How can Elite Chiropractic help my disc herniation?
Here at Elite Chiropractic, we offer a wide variety of treatments for disc syndromes. Treatment will vary between individuals based on their symptom presentation, how long they have been dealing with the pain, and the severity of symptoms. Having your spine adjusted will restore proper motion to the areas that are not moving well, which can allow the disc to heal properly. This is the main treatment for a disc problem.
For those that are experiencing pain that radiates down into their leg or foot, we also offer lumbar decompression. This is a therapy that will provide gentle traction to the low back which encourages the disc herniation to return back to its normal place within the disc. This therapy also encourages an increase in blood flow to the area, which is necessary to speed up the recovery process.
We also prescribe specific exercises that will help not only get you out of pain but will ideally keep you out of pain in the future—helping you become a vital part of your healing as well.
If you or someone else you know is dealing with this type of problem, reach out to us right away so we can help you begin your healing journey.
About Elite Chiropractic & Performance Center
Located just outside of the salt lake city and in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley, Elite Chiropractic & Performance Center is the premier chiropractic office in Utah. Dr. Monte Layton, Chris Harbrecht, and Jordan Mousley specialize in providing care for many different conditions and injuries. Those in the community seek Elite’s care for low back pain, neck pain, shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, hip, ankle, and foot pain. Call today to schedule your first appointment. 801-432-7511.