601 S Pine St Suite 201, Tacoma, WA 98405, United States
Give us a Call

(253) 396-1000

Herniated Disc Treatment

Dr. Bradley Eyford DC and Dr. Dena Marie Terranova DC

Herniated Disc Specialist

The intervertebral discs are rubbery cushions that separate the vertebrae (spinal bones). They comprise an inner disc gel-like nucleus surrounded by a tough, circular exterior annulus. The disc mitigates the effect of friction when vertebrae move over one another.

A herniated disc is also called bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc. It occurs when a fragment of the disc nucleus pushes out of the torn or ruptured annulus into the spinal canal.

Herniated discs are usually in an early stage of degeneration. They compress the nerves to result in pain and movement difficulty. There may also be some additional symptoms if it is a cervical disc herniation or lumbar disc herniation.

Chiropractic adjustments are the best non-invasive treatment option for a herniated disc. A licensed chiropractor in Tacoma helps in providing immediate symptomatic relief for a prompt recovery.

Message to Alleviate Pain due to herniated disc Tacoma
Message to Alleviate Pain due to herniated disc Tacoma
100% natural and Medication free remedies Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection
Message to Pain relief and management Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection
Message to Insurance plans we accept Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection

Symptoms Of Herniated Disc

The symptomatic presentation of a herniated disc depends on its anatomical location in the spine. Pain is a common symptom occurring because of nerve compression.

Other herniated disc symptoms are:

  • Arm or leg pain and numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Overactive reflexes
  • Sensory problems like a leg or arm numbness
  • Uncomfortable tingling sensations
  • Stiff neck

Types Of Herniated Disc

The different types of herniated discs are:

  • Protrusion or contained herniation: In this case, the vertebrae’s pressure pushes the rubbery disc outward
  • Non-contained herniation: In this case, the disc may bulge into the spinal bones
  • Sequestered herniation: In this case, the pieces of fragmented herniated disc travel to the upper or lower segments
  • Cervical disc herniation is a painful condition arising with the rupture, tearing, or pressing of a disc in the neck
  • Lumbar disc herniation arises when a disc in the lower spine cracks, tears, or bulge

Causes Of Herniated Disc

Several conditions can cause disc herniation, such as:

  • Disc degeneration      
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Prolonged decreased joint motion
  • Prolonged sitting

Herniated Disc Treatment

Herniated disc causes severe pain and mobility problems. Besides good self-care like gentle exercising and applying hot packs, it is essential to get treated to reduce recovery time and prevent complications.

The treatment options are:

Self-care:

Self-care can soothe the inflammation to provide temporary pain relief are:

  • Applying a heating pad or ice pack over the affected area
  • Take rest for 10-15 minutes by lying on your stomach with one or more pillows under the head

Medical treatment

  • Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
  • Epidural steroid injection
  • Muscle relaxants
  • OpioidsTherapy
  • Therapeutic ultrasound

Surgical treatment

Surgery may be recommended in the following cases:

  • Numbness or weakness
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

The surgical options are:

  • Laminotomy/laminectomy
  • Discectomy/microdiscectomy
  • Artificial disc surgery
  • Spinal fusion

Chiropractic Treatment For Herniated Disc

Many people look for a natural treatment for herniated discs, and the answer lies in chiropractic treatment.

It is a safe non-medical, non-surgical manual approach to treating herniated discs by reinforcing the spine’s strength. It is called spinal manipulation, which moves the joints to reduce inflammation and eventually improve nerve function.

Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection Clinic helps in the effective treatment of herniated discs. We use the necessary chiropractic techniques and tools to treat various conditions and provide our patients with the best care.

Long Term Problems Of Untreated Herniated Disc

Long-term problems of an untreated herniated disc can lead to severe consequences like:

  • Chronic pain, weakness, and numbness
  • Bladder and bowel dysfunction
  • Saddle anesthesia
  • Rarely paralysis, either partial or complete

Does Medical Insurance Cover Herniated Disc?

Health insurance companies have different policies regarding the coverage of various aspects of disc herniation treatment. Most policies offer benefits for treating a herniated disc.

Contact us to book an appointment if you are suffering from Herniated disc.

Let Us Help You

Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Disc

Can I get a disability for herniated discs?

Herniated disc pain that is affecting the quality of life of a person may be eligible for a disability benefits program.

Are Tacoma Chiropractors safe for herniated discs?

Chiropractic care for a herniated disc treatment is a safe non-medical, non-surgical intervention. It relieves pain and improves mobility issues. It also helps in prompt recovery. Chiropractors make spinal adjustments to restore the misaligned spine to its position and release pressure on the nerves. It is best to consult a chiropractor without any unnecessary delay in order to avoid any complications.

What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?

The fastest way to heal a herniated disc is to remain as active as possible. Avoiding all strenuous physical activities and moving as much as possible. Resting too long has a negative impact on the spinal muscles and joints.

Can you still walk with a herniated disc?

Complete bed rest is not an acceptable treatment nowadays. Resting too much makes muscles weak and joints stiff, so the pain should not be made an excuse for lying in bed. It is best to remain as active as possible and walk regularly. However, if the pain is severe, do not attempt to walk forcefully.

What activities should you avoid with a herniated disc?

Certain activities should be avoided to prevent the worsening of a herniated disc. These are:

  •  Excessive sitting, as it stresses the spinal discs
  •  Laundry
  •  Vacuuming
  •  Strenuous exercises
  •  Feeding pet
  •  Gardening

How long does it take for a disc herniation to heal?

The healing of herniated disc depends on how carefully you modify your lifestyle during the healing process and if  good self-care is taken. Mostly, the pain alleviates in a few weeks, and mobility improves with good self-care. The symptoms usually resolve within four to six weeks.

Can I make the herniated disc worse?

Herniated disc worsens if care is not taken. The pain increases in intensity with activity and relives with rest.

Can I go to the gym with a herniated disc?

Going to the gym with a slipped disc is safe in Tacoma as it strengthens the back muscles. Exercising is, in fact, recommended for retraining of the back muscles. After pain control, gentle weight lifting helps the spine core muscles strengthen and improves mobility.

How long does it take a herniated disc to heal without surgery?

A herniated disc usually heals without any treatment in six weeks. To overcome the symptoms of pain and immobility and speed up the recovery, it is essential to seek chiropractic help.