A common cause to 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 speak with a surgeon or visit 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 throughout the body. 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 and more prone to injury. 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 pulposus. 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.
Patient’s experiencing disc-related injuries often turn to chiropractic offices for the initial phase of pain relief. Common triggers include poor posture, improper lifting mechanics, injuries, and chronic arthritis. Our dedicated doctors engage in thorough discussions with patients, exploring the onset, symptoms, and pain patterns tailored to disc injuries. This ensures effective care to address the issue and pave the way for relief and recovery.
We employ a holistic approach to healing, utilizing a combination of chiropractic techniques such as Flexion- Distraction, Traction, Trigger Point Release, and E- stim. Additionally, our care extends beyond the office. Patient’s may receive recommendations for at- home stretching or ice therapy, ensuring a personalized care plan.
Postural assessments, palpation, possibly advanced imaging, and orthopedic tests to help with the diagnosis of where the back pain is coming from and why a disc may be involved.
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. Walker Byers
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