What is a disc herniation?
A disc herniation is referring to the tearing of the outer wall of a joint in the spine. The main joints of the spine are fluid filled and disc shaped. As the outer wall tears, from uneven pressure over time or significant trauma, the internal fluid can actually expand outwards and begin to put pressure on sensitive nerves in the back or neck causing extreme pain.
What causes a disc herniation?
Significant trauma like a car accident or a fall from a ladder can cause a sudden disc herniation, but also a small misalignment over time can also lead to a disc herniation. Most patients report no pain then bending to tie their shoes and suddenly feeling immense pain. It was not the bending that created the disc herniation, but in fact it was a tear years in the making. Then finally one last bend or twist that finally caused the fluid to expand and cause the intense pain.
Can a disc herniation be treated?
Yes, by removing the original misalignment through chiropractic, the fluid can centralize or go back to the center of the disc. By keeping that fluid centralized throughout the course of your chiropractic care the tear can begin to heal.
How long can it take to heal?
With regular chiropractic care a disc herniation can take 6-12 months to fully scar over. However symptoms tend to improve rapidly within the first few weeks of regular treatment.
If you think you may have a disc herniation give us a call at (941) 444-6165 or click here to schedule today -->> Schedule Now
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