Understanding Herniated Discs (And What To Do About Them)
Understanding Herniated Discs
And What To Do About Them
You start experiencing a sharp, burning pain in your lower back that worsens if you stay in one position too long. You’ve also noticed pain that shoots down your leg and numbness in your foot. You have no idea what’s going on, and the discomfort is starting to negatively affect your quality of life.
Sound familiar?
All those symptoms point to a lumbar herniated disc, a condition that affects the cushiony intervertebral discs located in your spine. Herniated discs are more common than you might think – in fact, you may have developed one without even realizing it, as they don’t always cause symptoms. But when they do, those symptoms can be excruciating.
Fortunately, the integrated team at Equilibrium offers several solutions to help you resolve and prevent herniated discs. Today, we wanted to explore the basics of herniated discs, including their causes, symptoms, and effective treatment techniques. Keep reading to learn more!
What Exactly is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine’s intervertebral discs play an important role in keeping the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Sometimes, though, those discs can bulge outward or rupture: what’s called a herniated disc. If the damaged disc presses against a nearby nerve root, it causes symptoms.
That’s why many people develop a herniated disc and do not know it – because their herniated disc doesn’t affect any nearby nerve roots. But when a herniated disc does affect a nerve root, here’s what to expect:
- Burning pain
- Pain that radiates into the extremities
- Numbness or tingling that radiates into the extremities
- Weakness
The location of your symptoms can give you a general idea of the location of your herniated disc. While any disc in the spine can herniate, herniated discs typically occur in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine).
- Cervical herniated discs will cause symptoms through your upper arm, forearm, and hand.
- Lumbar herniated discs will cause symptoms through your lower back, buttocks, thigh, lower leg, and foot.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
There are two main causes for herniated discs, and they may develop due to a blend of factors:
Disc Degeneration
As we get older, our intervertebral discs naturally start to dry out and become less flexible, making them more likely to tear or rupture, even with relatively minor bends or twists.
Injury
When a younger person gets a herniated disc, it’s usually the result of an injury related to improper lifting techniques, like twisting as you lift or using your back muscles instead of your legs.
How Can Our Multidisciplinary Approach Help Resolve a Herniated Disc?
The good news is that herniated discs rarely require surgery or other invasive treatment options. Often, symptoms fade on their own. However, our team can facilitate that process and – more importantly – help prevent future herniated discs!
We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation in which we review your health history and current symptoms and conduct a detailed physical exam to look for any muscular weaknesses or other issues that might have contributed to your condition. Next, we’ll create a customized treatment program blending various treatment options:
Pain Management
- We offer several options, including acupuncture and massage therapy, to reduce pain and enhance your body’s healing processes as you work through your treatment plan.
Chiropractic Adjustments
- Careful chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain and improve spinal function.
Therapeutic Exercises
- A customized, targeted exercise program forms the foundation of our approach to managing a herniated disc. We’ll start with mobility exercises to regain your range of motion, helping you move without discomfort. Then, we’ll work with you to strengthen your core and back muscles to support your spine and prevent future injury.
Posture and Body Mechanics
We’ll show you proper posture and movement patterns can significantly reduce pressure on the spine and prevent further disc issues.
Suspect You’ve Got a Herniated Disc? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of a herniated disc–whether in your neck or lower back–the Equilibrium team can help you find long-term relief! Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Great and professional staff they helped me a lot on my foot injury with ZERO medication. 😇 Thanks, Equilibrium team, for putting me in good shape to run my marathon. Demi, you’re the best…“
– Reshel R.
Book Now!
Book an appointment and let our registered massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and kinesiologists help you get on your road to recovery.
Discover the Radiance Within!
Explore Facial Rejuvenation & Cosmetic Acupuncture
We are excited to introduce Facial Rejuvenation and Cosmetic Acupuncture, a holistic and natural way to achieve radiant skin and enhance overall wellness. These transformative treatments address surface-level concerns while targeting the internal systems that influence skin health.
Why Choose Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic Acupuncture stimulates collagen and elastin production, boosts circulation, and addresses root causes of skin issues such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and digestion. By treating the whole body, this approach delivers lasting results that go far beyond beauty.
What to Expect During Your Session
Each session is customized to your unique needs and may include:
- Acupuncture: Rejuvenates and firms the skin, enhances muscle tone, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Facial Cupping & Gua Sha: Promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness, and improves elasticity.
- Facial Massage & Jade Rolling: Relaxes facial muscles and supports overall tone.
- Hot/Cold Therapy: Invigorates and refreshes the skin.
- High-Quality Skincare: Nourishes and revitalizes for a glowing finish.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness.
- Lifts and firms sagging skin.
- Brightens complexion and evens skin tone.
- Minimizes scars, hyperpigmentation, and pore size.
- Balances internal systems for holistic health improvements.
- Alleviates conditions like jaw pain, migraines, headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and sinus issues.
Beyond Beauty: Holistic Wellness
These treatments offer more than aesthetic benefits. Patients often experience:
- Improved sleep quality.
- Enhanced digestion and regularity.
- Reduced stress levels.
By addressing these internal systems, Cosmetic Acupuncture promotes a youthful, vibrant appearance while fostering overall well-being.
Important Notes
- A typical course includes 10 treatments, performed one or twice weekly.
- Wait at least four weeks after Botox or fillers before starting.
- Treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.
Let us help you shine from the inside out!
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
- 4 (7 to 8 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Pre heat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound to an even thickness. Drizzle both sides of chicken with olive oil. Combine seasonings and sprinkle generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil for 5 minutes before slicing.
Exercise of the Month
Standing Lumbar Self Traction
3 sets, 10 reps, hold.
Start in a standing position. Find a table about waist height. Place your forearms on the table so that your wrists are facing away from you. Lean forward and make sure your weight is being held by your arms. Ease your lower back and slightly bend your knees. You should feel little to no weight in your legs.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.