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One of the most common causes of back pain is a bulging or herniated disc. These conditions can occur at a moment’s notice or gradually develop over time due to muscular imbalances and improper posture. Chiropractic is often the best first line of defense in managing these conditions. Before you talk to a surgeon or go to a pain management doctor, less invasive options such as chiropractic and physical therapy are usually indicated. Your local chiropractor can diagnose your condition and help determine what the best next step is.
When a disc is compromised or stressed, the nerve fibers which sense pain in the disc, become extremely aggravated causing a mess of painful reactions and inflammation. When this occurs, a person suffers tremendously. Even simple tasks such as sitting, rolling over in bed and bending over are nearly impossible.The discs of the spine receive nourishment through blood vessels into a person’s early twenties. Over the years the normal aging process dehydrates the discs making them thinner. This process is called degeneration and is synonymous with arthritis. People with a history of trauma such as whiplash and sports injuries will degenerate more rapidly than others.
At the core of each disc is a jelly-like substance, called the nucleus. Excessive stress and degeneration cause the jelly-like material inside the disc to “bulge” or “slip” out of place. As this occurs, the bulge itself puts pressure on other structures near the disc, such as nerves causing intense pain. A person suffering from this condition may feel pain down their leg and experience tingling in their foot. When symptoms progress to this stage it is usually described as sciatica or radiculopathy.
All though discs conditions can lead to surgery most diagnoses are manageable with chiropractic and core strengthening. For more information on how to properly strengthen your core visit our Back Tracks Page.
Neck pain is the second most common condition seen in a chiropractic office. Common causes include things such as posture, an injury, and arthritis. The doctors will discuss the onset, symptoms, and pain patterns to determine what assessments can and should be done.
Combination of Dry needling, Active Release through jaw, suboccipitals, upper trapezius muscles, manual stretching and mobilization of jaw, Chiropractic adjustment through neck and upper back. Trial of care 2x/week for 2 weeks. Additional self management strategies such as a night guard or stretching may be recommended depending on the case.
Postural assessments, palpation, possibly X-rays, and tests of motion and mobility will be done to diagnose where the neck pain is coming from and why.
During treatment some progress/change should be noted at each visit. If no progress is being made after 2-3 visits a re-evaluation may be necessary leading to a change in plan. If the treatment is working, visits may extend past 2 weeks to achieve maximum medical improvement.
Dr. Sarah Geringer
Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Josh Beezley
Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Bryan Rasch
Chiropractic Physician
11901 St Charles Rock Road
Bridgeton, MO 63044
314-298-1400
225 S Meramec Avenue #306
St. Louis, MO 63105
314-721-5390