A herniated disc can happen in a number of ways, including car accidents, sports injuries, and even slips and falls. If you suffered a disc herniation, then you may be experiencing pain and discomfort that is affecting your back and other areas as well. The force of impact when two vehicles collide can put a lot of pressure and stress on your spinal column even if nothing directly hits your back and spine. You are more likely to suffer a disc herniation in contact sports like football or wrestling where you are more vulnerable to injuries. A slip and fall accident can also lead to a disc herniation. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available for a disc herniation no matter what the cause. When you visit an accident doctor for a herniated disc, you can expect thorough and efficient care.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is sometimes also called a slipped disc, bulging disc, or ruptured disc. All of these terms refer to an issue with the spinal discs that separate the vertebrae in your spine. In between each vertebra is a spongy, gel-like disc that helps to absorb shock from regular wear-and-tear on the body. These discs also cushion and protect the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. If one of these spinal discs slips, bulges, or ruptures, this is what is known as a disc herniation. A sudden injury suffered in a car accident or on the playing field can jostle your spine enough that a disc bulges or slips slightly out of place. When that happens, it can disrupt the healthy functioning of your spine. Nerves surround the spinal column, and a herniated disc may also put pressure on a nearby nerve and cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of a Disc Herniation
If you have a herniated disc then you may feel localized pain in a specific area of your spine. This pain may be dull and throbbing, or you may experience shooting or stabbing pains with certain movements. When a herniated disc is compressing or pinching a nearby nerve, you may also experience a tingling sensation that can also affect your extremities. For example, a herniated disc in your cervical spine can lead to a pins and needles feeling that extends into your arm and hand. When nerves are impacted by a herniated disc, you may also experience weakness and numbness in certain areas.
3 Treatments of a Disc Herniation
There are a variety of treatment options available to address a disc herniation. You may also try at-home remedies to complement treatment with an accident doctor. Some home remedies may include alternating ice and heat on the affected part of your back. If you have swelling and inflammation in the area, then the cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Additionally, both hot and cold compresses can help to ease pain symptoms. In addition, here are three ways an accident doctor chiropractors can help treat a disc herniation.
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractors specialize in treating injuries and conditions that affect the spine and musculoskeletal system. If you have a herniated disc then that is a sign that your spine is out of alignment, which interferes with your body’s ability to effectively communicate and promote a natural healing response. Spinal adjustments are gentle and effective ways to resolve misalignments in the spine and restore proper posture. A healthy posture and spinal alignment mean your brain can effectively communicate to the rest of your body through the nervous system protected by the spinal column. Even one vertebra out of alignment can disrupt these communications and cause disruptions in your healthy functioning.
Therapeutic Massage
For an all-natural approach to your disc herniation treatment, chiropractors will provide manual therapy and device-assisted techniques to adjust your spine. A herniated disc may also affect supportive soft tissues nearby like muscles and tendons. Therapeutic massage can help to restore the healthy flow of blood and nutrients to the area and promote the healing process.
Therapeutic Exercises
Your accident doctor may also walk you through therapeutic stretches and exercises to help relieve pressure on your spine and encourage healthy nerve functioning and communication. When you experience pain from a herniated disc, you may hold or move your body in certain ways that weaken or strain your muscles. Therapeutic exercises can help promote strength, stability, and mobility after a disc herniation.
Visit Accident Doctors to learn more about treatment options for a herniated disc and schedule an appointment today!
