Do I have a disc herniation?

Many people are familiar with the terms disc herniation, disc protrusion, disc bulge, etc.  Oftentimes these terms are used interchangeably within the medical profession.  Disc herniations can occur due to trauma (a fall or car accident) or they can happen over time due to repetitive micro trauma along with the again process.  “As a disc degenerates, the soft inner gel in the disc can leak back into the spinal canal. This is known as disc herniation, or herniated disc. Once inside the spinal canal, the herniated disc material then puts pressure on the nerve, causing pain to radiate down the nerve leading to sciatica or leg pain (from a lumbar herniated disc) or arm pain (from a cervical herniated disc).” – Spine-Health

Spine-Health also lists chiropractic care as a common conservative approach to lumbar disc herniations.  “The primary goal of treatment for each patient is to help relieve pain and other symptoms resulting from the herniated disc. To achieve this goal, each patient’s treatment plan should be individualized based on the source of the pain, the severity of pain and the specific symptoms that the patient exhibits.

In general, patients usually are advised to start with a course of conservative care (non-surgical) prior to considering spine surgery for a herniated disc.  For lumbar and cervical herniated discs, conservative (non-surgical) treatments can usually be applied for around four to six weeks to help reduce pain and discomfort.” – Spine-Health

At Florida Orthopaedic Institute, chiropractic care is an essential component of the conservative management of disc herniations. By performing a thorough examination and making an accurate diagnosis, we are able to prescribe a personalized treatment plan designed to keep you active.  Chiropractic care is often an effective conservative treatment options for people suffering from disc herniations. 

Learn more at www.DrJeffLangmaid.com