Herniated discs are painful as any who has suffered from one can attest.  But many times people wonder how they even begin.  To start, a herniated disc is an issue with the "cushions" between the vertebrae in your spine.  People often refer to his as a slipped or ruptured disc as well.  It begins when the jelly like center is pushing out through the exterior called the annulus which causes the pain.  It is a very common ailment for people.  

Causes of a Herniated Disc

The most common cause of a herniated disc is simply the wear and tear on the body during hte aging process.  As people age, discs naturally become less flexible and make it potentially for tearing or breaking with a minor strain or twist.  

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of a herniated disc.  It can be something such as using your back muscles instead of your legs when lifting heavy objects or twisting and turning while lifting as an example.  In very rare situations a fall or hit to the back can also result in a herniated disc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Discs

Can a Car Accident Cause Herniated Disc?

Car accidents do have teh ability to lead to a herniated disc as well as nerve damage.  Disc and nerve injuries are related causing a pinched nerve, chronic pain and radiculopathy.  It is very common for an individual who has been in a car accident to suffer from a herniated disc that needs to be treated quickly or the pain can get worse over time.  

As with any injury, the more serious the accident, the more serious the injuries.  But with that, some people can feel great pain from a herniated disc from minimal trauma.  It can take days or weeks after an accident for a person to start feeling the full extent of the injury.

Is a Herniated Disc Considered a Permanent Injury?

Pain from a herniated disc typically goes away on its own in a few weeks or months.  It does not cause permanent damage to the spine or nervers.  Most times the pain will occur in the lower back area or the lumbar and the neck areas.  

Chiropractic care and spinal adjustments have become a proven technique for treating herniated discs and the pain associated with these.  If you are currently suffering from a herniated disc then you surely understand the pain.  Adjustments have shown to release the pressure on the discs and allow for the healing process to speed up quickly and help you avoid having to go in for surgery.  

Do You Ever Fully Recover From a Herniated Disc?

Often, a herniated disc can heal on its own over time. An individual suffering from this condition has to be patient and should strictly follow a treatment plan. If symptoms persist or do not get better after months, you should talk to your healthcare provider about surgery. However, surgery is usually not necessary.

With herniated discs, you may not be able to perform properly at your job or do many tasks. You cannot work in construction, warehouse jobs, manufacturing since these jobs require the person to reach, lift, and carry. Limited mobility and pain due to herniated disc will make those activities impossible.

Can You Still Work With a Herniated Disc?

Due to the severity of the slipped discs' pain, it can impact your ability to work. Herniated discs may cause impairing pain that radiates down the legs. The numbness and tingling can limit your mobility and ability to stand or sit in the same position for an extended period. You may have a hard time doing tasks, such as bathing or dressing. You may also need a cane or walker to be able to walk or a wheelchair. At the same time, the pain, tingling, and limited mobility will keep you from lifting, carrying, reaching, and your ability to maintain your job.

There are several kinds of surgeries for herniated discs. Getting surgery will allow you to return to work within four weeks. Among all surgeries, the most severe one is spinal fusion, wherein the patient is required to be hospitalized for a few days. This procedure will require a longer healing time.

The Bottom Line

In many cases, a herniated disc does not require treatment and heals on its own. But who would want to experience pain every time they move any body parts, especially their neck, back, arms, and shoulders? See a chiropractor as soon as you feel any of these symptoms mentioned.

Dr. Blakely is a specialist who can help you find relief from any pain associated with a herniated disc. He can diagnose and treat your disc injury by creating a treatment plan and techniques to relieve the painful symptoms. Chiropractic treatment for herniated discs is safe and effective as long as you are getting quality chiropractic care.

 

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