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Herniated Disc

An untreated herniated disc can become quite painful, cause sciatica, or result in a need for surgery. If you decide to visit Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center, our chiropractor in Beaverton, OR, can discuss the chiropractic care options for treating disc pain and avoiding complications.

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What is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine consists of 33 vertebrae (bones). In between them are doughnut-shaped, fibrous cartilage called intervertebral discs. The role of the disc is to reduce shock and injury to the spine during movement. Disc herniation, also called ruptured disc and slipped disc, refers to a tear in the outer layer (annulus) of the disc. Its soft jelly-like content (nucleus) also pushes through the outer layer and may compress a nerve root or the spinal cord. Ruptured discs can occur anywhere along the vertebrae although they are more common in the lower spine.

What Causes Disc Herniation?

Spine injury and age-related wear and tear (disc degeneration) are common causes of slipped disc. Excess weight, repetitive bending, and twisting or turning when lifting heavy objects, and smoking can increase the risk of a ruptured disc. Because the discs become less flexible with age, they are more prone to tearing even from a minor strain or sudden twist.

Common Ruptured Disc Symptoms

In some cases, the inner contents of the disc can irritate a nearby nerve resulting in neck pain, low back pain, or sciatica. Pain may also occur in the shoulder, arm, buttock, thigh, or leg depending on where the herniated disc is. Numbness, tingling, or weakness is also common in these body parts.

Herniated Disc Treatment from Our Beaverton, OR, Chiropractor

Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment option for ruptured discs. Before beginning treatment, we will need to evaluate your spine through an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI. The diagnostic tests allow us to determine the extent of the damage and how to treat you.

Dr. Kathy Cantwell or Dr. Justin Jelen will use a manual or instrument-based adjustment technique to relieve disc pain and pinched nerve symptoms. Gentle thrusts to the spine where the affected disc is located can help the extruded material to pull back into the disc. This painless technique also helps move the disc away from the nerve, reduce nerve inflammation, and improve mobility.

Treatment results are enhanced with complimentary ultrasound therapy and rehabilitative exercises. We may also recommend proper lifting posture, quitting smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight to protect the disc from reinjury.

Contact Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center

Chiropractic treatment for a herniated disc is safe and effective. Call (503) 747-3388 to schedule an appointment and find out how our chiropractor can help you.