What is a Disc Herniation?
Many people will have heard the term ‘slipped disc’ but this is a rather inaccurate name, as discs actually cannot slip. They can wear, split or herniate.
When this happens, usually following cumulative stress on the spine – most commonly involving bending, twisting or lifting – the strong fibers of the outer annulus can tear, allowing ‘leakage’ of the jelly-like nucleus out of the center of the disc.
This is known as a disc herniation. This ‘leaked’ material may then cause irritation by pressing on the nerve that runs next to the disc.
What are the Different Types of Disc Herniations? There are different names for disc herniations - ruptured disc, herniated disc, slipped disc, bulging disc, protruding disc, extruding disc - but they all come down to two basic types: contained disc herniations or non-contained disc herniations.- contained discs - Those discs that the center of the disc (nucleus) stays within the outer anular fibers, usually causing low back pain and possibly leg pain.
- non-contained discs - Those discs that the center of the disc (nucleus) escapes through the outer anular fibers, usually resulting in leg pain.
Symptoms of Slipped Discs, Herniated Discs and Ruptured Discs
The symptoms of a slipped disc, herniated disc or ruptured disc will vary based in the location of the disc herniation and the extent of the bulge or break and the tissues impacted.
Symptoms can range from very little or no pain to constant and severe pain in your neck or back that radiates into other parts of your body. Other symptoms associated with slipped discs or herniated discs include numbness, tingling, weakness in muscles or sensations of your arms or legs “falling asleep” (a condition called paresthesia).
Treatment for Disc Herniation in Augusta GA
Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic successfully diagnoses and treats disc herniation, with many patients happy to report that their conditions were resolved with non-invasive treatments. Without the use of prescription medications or invasive back surgery, our patients have been able to return to their active lifestyles quicker and in a more cost-effective manner.
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized chiropractic care to the Augusta, Martinez, and Evans GA communities. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for customized chiropractic in Augusta GA.
Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call (706) 814-5053, use our online voicemail, or use our online form.
