Back Clinic Herniated Disc Chiropractic Team. A herniated disc refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (discs) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine.
A spinal disc has a soft center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, a herniated disc occurs when some of the soft centers push out through a tear in the tougher exterior.
A herniated disc can irritate the surrounding nerves which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. On the other hand, many people experience no symptoms from a herniated disk. Most people who have a herniated disc will not need surgery to correct the problem.
Symptoms
Most herniated disks occur in the lower back (lumbar spine), although they can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Most common symptoms of a herniated disk:
Arm or leg pain: A herniated disk in the lower back, typically an individual will feel the most intense pain in the buttocks, thigh, and calf. It may also involve part of the foot. If the herniated disc is in the neck, the pain will typically be most intense in the shoulder and arm. This pain may shoot into the arm or leg when coughing, sneezing, or moving the spine into certain positions.
Numbness or tingling: A herniated disk can feel like numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This may cause stumbling or impair the ability to lift or hold items.
Someone can have a herniated disc without knowing. Herniated discs sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disc problem. For answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900
How does non-surgical spinal decompression compare with traditional surgery to improve sensory abnornalities for individuals with herniated discs?
Introduction
The spinal column provides flexibility and stability to the body, consisting of vertebrae, spinal cord, nerve roots, and intervertebral discs. These components work with surrounding tissues, ligaments, and muscles, enabling pain-free mobility. However, activities or work that place excessive stress on the spine can cause damage, leading to misaligned discs and nerve root irritation. This can result in radiating pain in the lower extremities, which may be mistaken for other conditions such as low back pain, leg pain, or sciatica. This article will focus on the pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and how non-surgical spinal decompression can help people regain sensory function. We work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ valuable information to treat individuals suffering from herniated discs in their lumbar spine and inform them about non-surgical treatments to regain sensory function in their lower extremities. We encourage patients to ask essential questions and seek education from our associated medical providers about their condition. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Symptoms Associated With Herniated Discs
Are you experiencing numbness or tingling down your leg that affects your walking? Does twisting or turning make your lower back uncomfortable? Or are you suffering from low back pain caused by sciatic nerve pain, making it difficult to work or do activities? Many people don’t realize they have herniated discs until repetitive movements cause wear and tear on the spine or constant compression causes the disc to crack, allowing the inner layer to protrude and press on the spinal nerve roots. Research studies reveal that herniated discs can result from various changes that cause pain-like symptoms, including limited trunk flexion, sensory abnormalities in the lower extremities, low back pain, radicular pain, sciatica, and intense distress when sitting. Herniated discs are common, and the inflammatory response from surrounding nerve roots can cause immense pain. As additional research shows, autoimmune responses released by the nucleus pulposus play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of sciatic pain and lumbar radiculopathy.
The Causes Of Herniated Disc-Video
Herniated discs can cause discomfort and pain depending on their severity and location. Several factors contribute to their development, including improper lifting of heavy objects, age, weight, and physical inactivity. Repetitive motions, constant stress, and autoimmune conditions also play a role. Disc herniation impacts the spinal structure and can cause sensory abnormalities in the lower extremities, muscular pain in the arms, back, foot, or leg, and affect the quality of life. However, non-surgical treatments are available to reduce disc herniation and restore the spine’s mobility, flexibility, and stability.
Treatments To Restore Sensory Function
If home remedies such as rest, hot and cold packs, and over-the-counter medications do not work, non-surgical treatments can effectively reduce the effects of disc herniation. These treatments are also safe, gentle, and cost-effective for many people who want relief without the financial burden. Chiropractic care, muscle energy techniques (MET), and spinal decompression are examples of non-surgical treatments that can help target the source of pain, reactivate the body’s natural healing process, and realign the body from herniated discs and spinal subluxation. These treatments can restore sensory function affected by herniated discs by addressing these issues.
Spinal Decompression
When dealing with herniated discs, many people turn to spinal decompression to alleviate pain and find relief in their spine. Studies have shown that spinal decompression involves using gentle traction to create negative pressure within the affected herniated disc. This can increase hydration and reduce pressure on the nerve root, easing the pain signals that affect the lower extremities. In “The Ultimate Spinal Decompression,” Dr. Eric Kaplan, D.C., FIAMA, and Dr. Perry Bard, D.C., explained that the duration of treatment for spinal decompression for herniated discs can vary depending on the severity. Mild herniation may require longer treatment, while patients with multiple herniations in different spinal locations may need additional sessions. However, the treatment should effectively reduce sensory abnormalities and relieve pain for the individual.
The spine consists of soft tissues, ligaments, the spinal cord, nerve roots, and cartilage, forming an S-shaped curve with three regions: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Its primary functions are to keep the body upright, provide mobility, and support the upper body’s weight. Injuries or other factors can cause mild to severe pain-like symptoms that affect the spine’s three regions, leading to misalignment and disc herniation, which can cause further complications. Fortunately, non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can restore the spine’s functionality by realigning the body and restoring the spinal discs. This article will discuss how disc herniation affects the spine and body and how decompression therapy can treat it. We work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ valuable information to provide non-surgical treatments, including spinal decompression, to relieve pain-like symptoms associated with disc herniation and prevent chronic musculoskeletal issues. We encourage patients to ask essential questions and seek education about their condition. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Does Disc Herniation Affect The Spine?
Do you experience stiffness or tingling in your neck, shoulders, or low back? Do you have radiating pain that is similar to other musculoskeletal conditions? Or do you feel aches and pains during stretching? These symptoms are often associated with spinal disc herniation, as research studies revealed, where the nucleus pulposus within the spine displaces and compresses the spinal nerve or cord. This can be caused by poor posture, incorrect lifting of heavy objects, or excessive twisting and turning, leading to wear and tear on the spinal disc. Left untreated, this can cause neurologic compromise or activity limitation to the rest of the body, as additional research shows. The three spinal regions can all be affected by this condition, causing a range of issues such as:
Numbness and tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
Muscle weakness and stiffness in the neck and shoulders
Gait disturbances
Paralysis
Cardiovascular abnormalities
Back pain
Muscle weakness in hips, legs, buttocks, and feet
Sciatic nerve mimicry
An Overview Of Disc Herniation-Video
Have you been experiencing numbness, tingling sensations, or instability when walking? These issues could be caused by disc herniation, which occurs when the spinal cord and nerves are compressed or aggravated by the nucleus pulposus. This can cause pain in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar areas and affect the functioning of your extremities. Research studies have revealed the severity of the herniation depends on the section affected, the size of the spinal canal, and pressure on the nerves. However, non-surgical, safe, and gentle treatments, such as chiropractic care and decompression therapy, can alleviate the effects of disc herniation. Watch the video above to learn more about the causes of disc herniation and the available treatments.
Decompression Therapy Treating Disc Herniation
If you are experiencing disc herniation, some treatments can help restore functionality to your spine. According to research studies, decompression therapy is one such treatment that works by using negative pressure within the spinal disc to increase hydration. This process pulls nutrients and oxygenated blood back into the disc, reducing pressure on the entrapped surrounding nerve root. Additionally, decompression therapy relieves the associated symptoms caused by disc herniation. In “The Ultimate Spinal Decompression,” written by Dr. Perry Bard, D.C., and Dr. Eric Kaplan, D.C., FIAMA, they explain that individuals with a herniated disc who use decompression therapy will feel negative or non-gravitational pressure within their spinal canal, which reduces the pressure from inside the disc. Decompression therapy helps restore the spine’s functionality and facilitates natural healing.
Other Treatments For Disc Herniation
Combining decompression therapy with chiropractic care can be effective in treating disc herniation. Chiropractic care involves spinal adjustments and manual manipulation to restore the natural alignment of the spine, which can relieve pressure on nerves caused by disc herniation. Gradual realignment of the vertebrae can help alleviate symptoms and reduce pain and discomfort while restoring the spine’s strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Conclusion
If the spinal cord is affected by environmental factors or injuries, it can cause pain and discomfort to the person. This is known as disc herniation, where the nucleus pulposus in the spine protrudes out of the spinal socket and presses on the spinal nerve. This can lead to neurological problems and affect the three spinal regions, causing mild to severe issues depending on the pressure on the spinal cord. However, non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and decompression therapy can safely and gently manipulate the spine, realigning and hydrating the disc so the body can heal naturally. This can relieve pain and discomfort in the spine and restore mobility to the body.
Herniated disc injuries and the time it takes to heal depend on the injury’s cause, the severity, and where it occurred along the spine. Symptoms can last a few days to months. Chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and decompression realign the spine and return the disc to its correct position. Still, the herniated disc signs it is returning to normal can take time as the rest of the spine and body adjust to the realignment.
Herniated Disc Signs It Is Returning To Normal
Most cases take a few weeks with healing time depending on health conditions, physical activity level, and age. However, in severe cases, a herniated disc can take up to several months to fully heal, but discomfort symptoms usually resolve sooner.
Expectations From a Healing Disc
Resting the spine and taking it easy after the injury is recommended.
Too much rest is not recommended as it can cause muscle stiffness.
While the herniated disc is healing, a primary doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants to help ease discomfort.
A chiropractor and/or physical therapist can teach exercises and stretches to relieve pressure on nerves, loosen tight muscles, and improve circulation.
Signs The Herniated Disc Is Healing
Most herniated discs cause significant pain in the back and neck from the nervous system, causing some of the muscles of the low back or neck to spasm to protect the area from further damage.
Usually, the muscle spasms relax within the first days of the injury.
After spinal decompression, neurological symptoms like the sharp, shooting pain down a nerve in the arm or leg are the first symptoms to go away.
Then muscle weakness along the path of the nerve goes away.
Numbness in the extremities can linger around longer.
Length of Time
The wear and tear of adult spinal discs, combined with unhealthy posture habits, job occupation, previous injuries, etc., decrease blood circulation.
This is why it can take some time to heal completely, as the entire blood supply needs to reset to optimal circulation.
Nerve compression causing aches and pain sensations down the nerves can also take time.
Regular Activity
Returning to regular activities depends on the individual’s case and condition. It is essential not to overdo things that can cause excessive loading of the spine before the disc has fully healed, which increases the risk of re-herniation and other injuries.
Inactivity can slow the healing process and cause inflammation.
Patients are encouraged to return to activities that generate gentle motion to stimulate the stabilizing muscles to function properly and increase blood circulation to the injured area.
Individuals are recommended to:
Learn posture improvement when walking, sitting, standing, and sleeping.
Adjust sleep patterns.
Incorporate anti-inflammatory nutrition during the healing process.
This provides a mechanical and biological environment that eventually becomes a personalized exercise physical therapy program.
DOC Spinal Decompression
References
Díez Ulloa, Máximo Alberto. “Role of Microangiogenensis in Disc Herniation Healing.” Journal of investigative surgery: the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research vol. 34,6 (2021): 685. doi:10.1080/08941939.2019.1682725
Factors that influence recovery: Mayo Clinic. February 8, 2022. “Herniated disk.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095
Factors that influence recovery: NHS. March 22, 2021. “Slipped Disc.” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slipped-disc/
How to speed up healing time: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. January 2022. “Herniated Disk in the Lower Back” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
Keramat, Keramat Ullah, and Aisling Gaughran. “Safe physiotherapy interventions in large cervical disc herniations.” BMJ case reports vol. 2012 bcr2012006864. 18 Aug. 2012, doi:10.1136/bcr-2012-006864
Stoll, T et al. “Physiotherapie bei lumbaler Diskushernie” [Physiotherapy in lumbar disc herniation ]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique vol. 58,8 (2001): 487-92. doi:10.1024/0040-5930.58.8.487
Swartz, Karin R, and Gregory R Trost. “Recurrent lumbar disc herniation.” Neurosurgical focus vol. 15,3 E10. 15 Sep. 2003, doi:10.3171/foc.2003.15.3.10
Spinal disc deterioration from aging is normal, but health issues or injuries can advance the degenerative process. Disc protrusions are related to herniated discs but are the mildest form of the condition and are a common form of spinal disc deterioration that can cause neck and back issues. However, individuals may have a small protruding disc that can go undetected unless it irritates or compresses the surrounding nerves. Chiropractic care, decompression, and massage therapy can realign the disc back into position, relieving discomfort and pain.
Disc Protrusion
A disc is like a sturdy soft rubber shock absorber/cushion with added gel inside. The gel acts as a shock absorber. When the gel begins to protrude out slightly, this is a disc protrusion. Once a protruding disc begins to develop, it usually remains in that position. The disc can sometimes reabsorb on its own and realign back into position, but there is no way of knowing that will happen or how long it will take. With age and/or injuries, the body’s parts change. The spine’s discs dehydrate and lose elasticity weakening the discs and making them more vulnerable to herniation stages:
First Stage
Following natural weakening can be classified as a disc protrusion when the disc’s core begins pushing into the spinal column.
Disc protrusions can be tiny or push out an entire side of the disc.
Second Stage
Disc deterioration often consists of a bulging disc when the core pushes out farther around the circumference beyond the disc’s outer layer, called the annulus fibrosus, creating the telltale bulge.
A bulging disc involves more than 180 degrees of the disc’s circumference.
Third Stage
The third stage is a herniated disc, meaning the disc’s outer wall has torn, allowing the inner gel to leak out, usually irritating the surrounding nerves.
Fourth Stage
The fourth stage is sequestration, a herniated disc in which a piece of the nucleus breaks free of the vertebral disc fragments and falls into the spinal canal.
Types
A disc protrusion is one type of disc herniation that pushes out but remains connected. Different types compress and irritate the discs differently and produce various symptoms, including:
Paracentral
This is the most common, where the disc protrusion jams the space between the central canal and the foramen.
Central
This is where the disc protrusion impinges into the spinal canal, with or without spinal cord compression.
Foraminal
The disc intrudes into the foramen, the space through which nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and exit the vertebrae.
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Chiropractic Care
Individuals with a disc protrusion can have symptoms similar to sciatica, which includes back, buttock, and leg discomfort, numbness, and pain sensations.
Treatment for disc protrusion will be based on the individual’s symptoms.
A chiropractor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination.
A spinal MRI test could be ordered depending on the injury or condition.
A customized treatment plan will be developed to fit the individual’s medical needs.
Most disc protrusions improve after a few weeks of rest, avoiding strenuous activities, activity modification, an anti-inflammatory diet, and gentle exercises that the chiropractic team will provide.
True Spinal Decompression
References
Fardon, David F et al. “Lumbar disc nomenclature: version 2.0: Recommendations of the combined task forces of the North American Spine Society, the American Society of Spine Radiology and the American Society of Neuroradiology.” The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 14,11 (2014): 2525-45. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.04.022
Mysliwiec, Lawrence Walter, et al. “MSU classification for herniated lumbar discs on MRI: toward developing objective criteria for surgical selection.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 19,7 (2010): 1087-93. doi:10.1007/s00586-009-1274-4
Herniated, slipped, or ruptured discs affect 80% or more of the population. Most individuals don’t even realize they suffered a vertebral subluxation, as it shifted slightly but returned on its own and healed itself. Herniated disc/s symptoms can subside over time and can heal on their own. However, there are times when chiropractic is necessary to help the slipped or ruptured disc back into correct alignment and to help prevent re-injury or the development of new ones.
When Chiropractic Is Necessary
When an individual’s ability to move is limited is definitely when chiropractic is necessary. Individuals twist and turn their bodies, and the rotational force that comes from lifting and moving objects at home, work, school, sports, or lifting weights increases the risk of disc injury.
The lumbar spine or lower back is the most common location for a herniated disc injury.
The pain can spread to the glutes and legs, causing sciatica or sciatica-like symptoms.
When back pain spreads to the shoulder through the arm, it s caused by a herniated neck/cervical disc.
When the cushioning material from the disc/nucleus pulposus presses on surrounding nerves, it causes inflammation, pain, and numbness.
Individuals can suffer a herniated disc after changing a flat tire, stepping/slipping out of the bath/shower, or coughing and sneezing.
Healing
Herniated discs can be treated with ice packs and heat, over-the-counter medications, and anti-inflammatories. However, if these approaches are not producing results, chiropractic and physical therapy could be necessary to address the pain, reactivate the body’s healing system, and get the body’s circulation energy flowing. Exercises/movements are recommended depending on the injury to allow the musculoskeletal system to realign and circulate the nutrient-rich blood.
Evaluation
The chiropractic team must check if the individual is cleared for chiropractic care. Some individuals cannot undergo chiropractic adjustments because of the following:
The chiropractor will assess the injury and damage by evaluating the spine’s overall health, not just the painful areas.
They will inquire about medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Diagnostic tests could be necessary depending on the condition.
The team will evaluate the following criteria:
If reflexes are normal.
If there is muscle loss or decreased muscle strength.
If there is numbness or loss of sensation.
Loss of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation could indicate the need for more aggressive treatment.
Depending on what is found, they may refer the individual to a spinal surgeon or specialist.
Techniques
Chiropractic focuses on restoring structural integrity to the body, reducing pressure on neurological tissue, and re-establishing a normal range of motion. With this treatment, pain and inflammation will be reduced or eliminated, and regular movement and reflexes will return. The body is realigned, stress is reduced, and the body’s natural energy can repair the damage. Adjustments involve:
HVLA is a high velocity, low amplitude short thrust to vertebrae that are out of position.
Mobilization involves low-velocity manipulation, stretching, and moving affected muscles and joints.
Joint cavitation expels oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide from the vertebrae and releases pressure on the affected area.
This technique uses a drop table while the chiropractor uses quick thrust and release manipulation.
Logan Basic Technique
This technique uses a light touch to level the sacrum.
Thompson Terminal Point Technique or Thompson Drop
This table technique adjusts with a weight mechanism to keep the patient in the correct position before the thrust is applied.
DOC Decompression Table
References
Danazumi, Musa S et al. “Two manual therapy techniques for management of lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized clinical trial.” Journal of osteopathic medicine vol. 121,4 391-400. 26 Feb. 2021, doi:10.1515/jom-2020-0261
Kerr, Dana, et al. “What Are Long-term Predictors of Outcomes for Lumbar Disc Herniation? A Randomized and Observational Study.” Clinical orthopedics and related research vol. 473,6 (2015): 1920-30. doi:10.1007/s11999-014-3803-7
Lurie, Jon D et al. “Surgical versus nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation: eight-year results for the spine patient outcomes research trial.” Spine vol. 39,1 (2014): 3-16. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000000088
Wang, Jeffrey C et al. “Epidural injections for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar herniated discs.” Journal of spinal disorders & techniques vol. 15,4 (2002): 269-72. doi:10.1097/00024720-200208000-00001
Yussen, P S, and J D Swartz. “The acute lumbar disc herniation: imaging diagnosis.” Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MR vol. 14,6 (1993): 389-98. doi:10.1016/s0887-2171(05)80032-0
The body is a well-tuned machine that is on the move constantly. The different systems like the musculoskeletal system, the immune system, and the joint system, to name a few, can help the body’s motor function to get the body from point A to point B. When injuries or auto accidents affect the body, it can cause various issues to affect the body over time. Many people who suffer from an auto accident injury will experience pain in the cervical and lumbar portions of their spine. It can be nerve-wracking as they are trying to comprehend what is happening. Today’s article will focus on herniation due to auto accidents, how it affects the spine, and how decompression treatments can help many suffering individuals with auto accident herniation. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How Do Auto Accidents Cause Herniation?
Have you experienced pain in your neck or low back? Did you experience whiplash in your neck? Has the pain progressively gotten worse after the accident? Many of the symptoms are primarily the after-effects of an auto accident involving a person. After a person has been involved in an auto accident, the injuries and symptoms usually occur within a few minutes until the next day. Research studies have shown that auto accident injury symptoms like herniation occur when the cervical and lumbar portions are injured, causing symptoms like soft tissue strain and disc derangement to be accompanied by radicular pain symptoms. Auto accident herniation also starts to compress the surrounding nerves around the spine. It induces inflammatory markers in the affected areas situated in the neck and lower back. Additional studies have found that auto accident herniation also affects the thoracic portion of the back. Many individuals that suffer from herniation will experience posterior shoulder pain and upper/lower back pain from being involved in an auto accident.
How Does It Affect The Spine?
When a person has suffered from an auto accident, the after-effects do take a toll not only on the body but the spine as well. The painful, inflammatory symptoms cause the soft muscle tissues to become tender to the touch. Research studies have mentioned that the spine will experience possible fractures along the lumbar section of the spine due to the force impact causing axial compression and overstretching of the muscles and soft tissues, causing sharp shooting pain. This makes the back and neck succumb to more despair after the auto accident occurs, thus hindering a person’s quality of life. More research studies have shown that many suffering individuals experience lumbosacral radicular pain on top of herniation. When a person has been suffering from disc degeneration and has been involved in an auto accident, the cascading effects cause the intervertebral disc’s outer layer to rupture and allow disc material displacement to cause herniation on the spine. When the ruptured disc becomes herniated, it will constantly press on the nerve roots, and any normal reactions like coughing or sneezing will worsen the pain. Thankfully, there are therapeutic methods that help alleviate herniation and help restore function to the spine.
Mechanical Traction For Herniation-Video
Feeling uncomfortable pain in your neck or back? Have everyday actions like coughing or sneezing hurt your back when not supposed to? Does the pain progressively get worst throughout the entire day? All these symptoms are due to disc herniation caused by auto accidents and can affect a person’s quality of life. The good news is that traction therapy may be the answer for relieving some of the symptoms like herniation on the spine. The video above shows how mechanical traction is used for many individuals suffering pain in the cervical area of the body. Traction therapy is a form of decompression treatment that is either non-surgical or surgical, depending on how severe the pain affects the body. Traction helps the spine through gentle pulling, causing the herniated discs to withdraw from the compressed nerves and establish healing properties to remoisturize in the affected discs while increasing the disc space between the spinal vertebrae. Decompression/traction therapy for either the lumbar or cervical regions of the spine has many beneficial factors in preventing disc herniation. This link will explainhow decompression or traction offers impressive relief for many people who suffer from neck and low back pain herniation caused by auto accident injuries.
How Decompression Treatments Help Auto Accident Herniation
After a person suffers from an auto accident injury, the body will sometimes experience the painful effects the next day since the body has an adrenaline rush that masks the pain. When this happens, therapeutic methods help alleviate the pain and try to repair the body to be functional again. Research studies have shown that decompression treatments have helped many individuals suffering from herniation due to auto accidents by using unloading force traction from the therapy to reduce herniation on the spine. This opposing force helps ease the painful symptoms caused by disc herniation while the compressed nerves are relieved. Other research studies have mentioned that traction therapy, when utilized for herniation, causes vertebral separation to increase the disc space and decrease the nerve root compression. This allows the spinal ligaments to tense up, which is beneficial for the herniated discs to return to the spine and cause relief to the suffering individuals.
Conclusion
Overall the after-effects of an auto accident injury that causes the spine to become herniated affect a person’s quality of life. The painful symptoms cause compression to the surrounding nerve roots, sending pain signals to disrupt the brain and overstretch the muscles when the spine is injured. After the auto accident has occurred, the residual pain will cause tenderness in the cervical and lumbar portions of the spine causing even more pain to the person. Treatments like traction therapy allow individuals to find the relief they desperately need as the herniated disc is relocated to its original position and laid off on the nerve roots. Traction therapy provided beneficial relief to the spine due to negative pressure and brought back the spine’s functionality to the body.
References
Cornips, Erwin M J. “Crippling Upper Back Pain after Whiplash and Other Motor Vehicle Collisions Caused by Thoracic Disc Herniations: Report of 10 Cases.” Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 May 2014, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24718062/.
Hashish, Rami, and Hasan Badday. “Frequency of Acute Cervical and Lumbar Pathology in Common Types of Motor Vehicle Collisions: A Retrospective Record Review.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 9 Nov. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5680606/.
Kumari, Anita, et al. “Effects of One-Fifth, One-Third, and One-Half of the Bodyweight Lumbar Traction on the Straight Leg Raise Test and Pain in Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” BioMed Research International, Hindawi, 16 Sept. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8463178/.
Oakley, Paul A, and Deed E Harrison. “Lumbar Extension Traction Alleviates Symptoms and Facilitates Healing of Disc Herniation/Sequestration in 6-Weeks, Following Failed Treatment from Three Previous Chiropractors: A CBP® Case Report with an 8 Year Follow-Up.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Nov. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5702845/.
Pachocki, L, et al. “Biomechanics of Lumbar Spine Injury in Road Barrier Collision-Finite Element Study.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Frontiers Media S.A., 1 Nov. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8591065/.
Suri, Pradeep, et al. “Inciting Events Associated with Lumbar Disc Herniation.” The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2919742/.
The spine provides many functions that the body requires when it is on the move. Without it, the body will not be able to stay upright and give the everyday movement that the body needs. The spine has three sections that provide an S-shaped curvature in the back: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. These three sections of the spine have ligaments, soft muscle tissues, and spinal nerves enveloped around the spine to protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord consists of spinal discs and a spinal column part of the central nervous system. When acute injuries or traumas start to affect the spine, it can develop a bulging disc in the spine. Today’s article will focus on the signs of a bulging disc, how a person can distinguish between disc herniation and a bulging disc, and how decompression traction can help prevent bulging discs from developing further into herniation. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
Signs You Have Bulging Discs
Have you been feeling a dull ache located in your lower back? Does it hurt when you are sitting down and trying to relax? Or have ordinary activities been challenging to manage due to the excruciating pain you are experiencing? Some of these symptoms could be signs that a bulging disc is starting to develop as research has defined a bulging disc as a dull ache on the spine that is barely protruding out and is considered the first stage for a herniated disc. When the body starts to age naturally, so do the spinal discs, as these cushion-like discs between the spinal joints help absorb the shock that the spine goes through. When spinal discs lose their water retention and begin to stiffen up, it causes the outer layer to crack and release the inner layer to bulge out a bit. Other research studies have found that the inner layer or the nucleus pulposus can develop the process of disc herniation. When the nucleus pulposus starts to protrude out of the outer layer of the spinal discs can develop into other spinal issues like sciatica, herniation, radicular pain, and myelopathy.
Is It A Herniated Disc Or Bulging Discs?
A person can tell if they are suffering from a herniated disc or a bulging disc. As stated earlier, a bulging disc is where it is barely protruding out of the spinal column and is considered the first stage of disc herniation. For herniated discs, however, research studies have defined that herniated discs are commonly diagnosed due to degenerative spinal abnormalities that extend out and compress the surrounding nerves all over the body. Herniated discs can cause various symptoms ranging from a dull minor ache to radiating pain that travels down to the affected areas like the neck and lower back. Sometimes injuries can cause herniated discs or bulging discs due to the severity, as additional information has shown that nerve compression in the spinal canal is from disc bulging/herniation or can even degenerate muscle tissue expansion from overusing the back muscles. These causes start the development of a bulging disc or herniated disc and can cause immense painful symptoms to the body’s affected neck and back areas. Fortunately, there are accessible treatments that help prevent bulging discs from progressing further into herniation and reduce the pain from nerve compression.
Lumbar Spine Traction For Bulging Discs-Video
Have you been experiencing radiating nerve pain down your legs? How about a dull ache that seems to worsen throughout the day? Do you feel tenderness in your lower back or certain areas around your neck? You might be experiencing disc herniation or bulging issues affecting the cervical or lumbar sections of your spine. Why not try decompression or traction therapy to help prevent it from causing more problems? The video above explains what spinal traction does for the spine and how many individuals can utilize it. Spinal traction and decompression therapy allow the spine to be gently stretched out for the spinal discs that are herniated or bulging out to return to their original forms before the injuries that caused them to be herniated. This type of treatment allows the aggravated nerves surrounding the spine to finally relax and stop sending pain signals to the affected areas. Decompression/traction therapy for either the lumbar or cervical regions of the spine has many beneficial factors in preventing disc herniation and bulging. This link will explainhow decompression offers impressive relief for many people who suffer from neck and low back pain in the affected regions due to disc herniation.
How Decompression Traction Helps Prevents Bulging Discs
Decompression traction therapy is the best way many individuals can prevent disc bulging from progressing into herniation by utilizing treatment to help rehydrate the spinal discs back to their original function. Research studies have found that decompression/traction is adequate for many individuals suffering from herniated discs by improving the symptoms. With decompression traction, it allows the spinal column to be gently pulled, causing the herniated disc’s size to decrease and promoting relief to the body. Other research studies have found that decompression traction is beneficial for individuals suffering from acute low back pain and even helps improve lumbar range of motion flexion for the back. Decompression traction can help many people bring back their quality of life, knowing that there is a way to alleviate low back or neck pain.
Conclusion
Overall the spine can succumb to many unwanted factors or injuries that can cause the spinal disc to bulge or herniate, depending on how severe the injury has affected the body. With decompression traction, it can relieve the affected spinal nerves by pulling the spinal disc back to its original position. This gentle pull on the spine can help rehydrate the discs and repair the outer layers from cracking under pressure. Incorporating decompression traction as part of an individual’s wellness treatment will provide beneficial results that rejuvenate the spine to its original functioning state.
References
De Cicco, Franco L, and Gaston O Camino Willhuber. “Nucleus Pulposus Herniation – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 1 May 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542307/.
Donnally, Chester J, et al. “Lumbosacral Disc Injuries.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 12 Feb. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448072/.
Karimi, Noureddin, et al. “Effects of Segmental Traction Therapy on Lumbar Disc Herniation in Patients with Acute Low Back Pain Measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Single Arm Clinical Trial.” Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27636836/.
Ozturk, Bulent, et al. “Effect of Continuous Lumbar Traction on the Size of Herniated Disc Material in Lumbar Disc Herniation.” Rheumatology International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2006, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16249899/.
Shelerud, Randy A. “Bulging Disk vs. Herniated Disk: What’s the Difference?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 May 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/expert-answers/bulging-disk/faq-20058428.
Vialle, Luis Roberto, et al. “Lumbar Disc Herniation.” Revista Brasileira De Ortopedia, Elsevier, 16 Nov. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4799068/.
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