Herniated Disc Treatment in Clearwater, FL

If you’re living with pain, you know it affects all aspects of your life, limiting your everyday activities and draining your energy. Herniated discs can cause debilitating pain and numbness throughout the body. The good news is, herniated discs are easily treated with decompression therapy and chiropractic care!

Family Life Chiropractic offers herniated disc treatment in Clearwater, FL. Our chiropractors, Dr. Jere & Dr. Philip., will work to identify the cause of your body’s mechanical issues and treat them through a series of Spinal Decompression Therapy and chiropractic treatments.

Find out what causes herniated disc injuries and how decompression therapy can help!

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a rupture of the soft, rubbery disc between the spinal bones.

The spine consists of several small bones, called vertebrae. In between each vertebra is a small disc structure, filled with a jelly-like substance. These discs cushion your movements and absorb the shock of bending and moving your body.

As we age, however, the walls of these discs become fragile and prone to cracking, causing some of the internal material to escape.

Pain occurs when the discs interfere with the spinal nerves or the cushioning between the discs deteriorates. If left untreated, herniated discs can lead to other spinal problems, including:

• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis of the spine
• Back pain
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Upper cervical pain

What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?

The symptoms of a herniated disc may vary depending on injury severity and location of the damaged disc. Most herniated discs develop in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck. Herniated discs usually affect one side of the body.

Common symptoms of herniated disc injuries include:

• Arm or leg pain – Herniated disc pain ranges from a dull ache to stabbing, severe pain. A herniated disc in the spine or neck can cause pain and numbness in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Injured discs in the lower spine may affect the legs and feet.
• Numbness or tingling – Radiating numbness and tingling are associated with herniated discs and may be felt throughout the body.
• Muscle weakness and fatigue – Some patients report clumsiness and find themselves tripping and dropping things more frequently.

If the herniated disc isn’t pressing on a nerve, you may experience little to no pain at all.

What Causes Herniated Discs?

Herniated discs can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, herniated discs are the result of acute trauma, such as a car accident or an awkward lift. Other times, disc herniations come on quickly after frequent poor posture and other stressors.
When a disc herniates, pain and stiffness can occur around the disc. The muscles above the injured disc may also become tender and tense as they try to overcompensate for the injury.

Several factors increase your risk of developing a herniated disc, including:

• Weight – Excess body weight can add stress to the discs in your lower back.
• Genetics – Some people are more prone to developing herniated discs.
• Occupation – People with physically demanding jobs typically have a higher risk of back problems. Heavy lifting, pushing, or twisting may also cause herniated discs.

Treatment for Herniated Discs

At Family Life Chiropractic, we take a conservative approach to chiropractic treatment.

Our chiropractic office offers non-invasive services and techniques to heal injured discs and alleviate nerve compression. Dr. Jere & Dr. Philip. also conducts a physical examination and takes your medical history into account to develop a treatment plan that may consist of:

• Chiropractic adjustments – Dr. Jere & Dr. Philip move the spine into the correct alignment, relieving pressure on herniated or injured discs.
• Spinal decompression therapy – Pressure within a damaged disc can be reversed, drawing in fluid as well as the herniated disc material. Non-surgical spinal decompression removes pressure from nerve roots, relieves pain and stimulates healing. To find out more, please visit Disc Centers of America™ Clearwater
• Cold laser therapy – Cold laser therapy uses a low-intensity later to reduce inflammation and pain while promoting natural healing.
• Corrective exercises – Corrective exercises are gentle stretches that focus on healing damaged muscles, tissues, and joints.
• Posture and ergonomic correction – Ergonomic exercises can improve posture and prevent future injuries.

Treatment for Herniated Discs in Clearwater, FL

As part of our chiropractic treatments in Clearwater, Family Life Chiropractic offers herniated disc treatment for persistent back pain. For more information, call 727-447-4647 or contact our Clearwater office today!

Herniated Disc FAQs

Can a Herniated Disc Heal Itself?

Yes, in most cases, pain caused by a herniated disc will go away within six months. However, while herniated disc symptoms may lessen, this doesn’t necessarily mean the disc is healed.

If pain or discomfort limits your activity, we recommend seeking chiropractic services, such as spinal decompression therapy.

How Long Does It Take for a Herniated Disc to Heal?

Herniated discs take four to six weeks to heal with spinal decompression therapy and chiropractic treatment. However, this time frame largely depends on the location and severity of the disc injury.

Restricting your activity and practicing take-home exercises will also help your recovery.

Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc

A bulging disc is slightly flattened but still intact, while a herniated disc is ruptured and releases fluid.

Bulging and herniated discs have similar causes. Both are the result of poor posture, spinal injury, or age. Some herniated discs were once bulging discs that worsened over time.

Herniated discs are more severe than bulging discs because they place more pressure on the nerves, which can cause pain and inflammation. To find out more, please visit Disc Centers of America™ Clearwater