Get to the Root of Your Back Pain. Could it be a Herniated Disc?

Do you sometimes feel pain like an electric shock radiating from your lower back down to your legs? Do you experience muscle weakness or numbness in your arms or legs? If so, be sure to schedule a free consult with your local IMAC clinic for a proper diagnosis. You just may have a damaged disc. There is good news: IMAC doctors can heal damaged discs. Read more below about damaged and herniated discs and the non-surgical treatment options available at IMAC to not only heal damaged discs, but get you back to a pain-free life.

What is a Herniated Disc or a Damaged Disc?

The vertebrae that comprise the spine are cushioned by discs. These discs are flat and round with an outer layer called the annulus, which surrounds a gel-like material called the nucleus. Discs are located in between each of the vertebrae in the spinal column. They act as shock absorbers. Also referred to as a ruptured or bulged disc, a herniated disc occurs when the disc nucleus is moved out of the annulus and into the spinal canal. It’s important to note that the spinal canal has limited space, and this displacement often produces pain. A herniated disc can happen anywhere in the spine, including the lower back and cervical spine areas. The area of pain often depends on which area of the spine that the herniated disc occurs in.

Causes and Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Injury or strain can be the cause of a herniated disc. Sometimes, a predisposition for a herniated disc may exist in families. In addition, the natural process of aging may be the culprit for a herniated disc. As one ages, the disc material degenerates naturally, and ligaments may tend to weaken. When this occurs, even a minor twisting motion can result in a herniated disc. The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the size of the herniated and where it’s located. If the disc isn’t compressing a nerve, there may be no pain. If it is compressing a nerve, pain, weakness and numbness may travel to the part of the body that the nerve is pressing on. Often, there is lower back pain. Sciatica may occur in the lower lumbar spine. This is when there’s pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can cause burning, pain and numbness that radiates from the buttocks, down the leg and the foot. It’s often a very sharp pain that may occur when sitting, walking or standing. If a herniated disc occurs in the neck area, pain can result in the neck and between the shoulder blades. This pain may radiate down the arm and to the fingers.

How Common is a Herniated Disc?

One in eight Americans between 30 and 50 years old will seek treatment for a herniated disc. What’s even more shocking is their go-to method of treatment is surgery- which is not actually guaranteed to give them the results they are looking for. But, that doesn’t mean you have to get used to the pain and accept it as your fate. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy offers a promising and natural treatment for damaged discs.

How IMAC Regeneration Center Heals Damaged Discs

At IMAC, an expert medical professional will conduct an in-depth evaluation and outline a customized treatment plan for patients with herniated discs. Herniated discs and the pain associated may be treated with regenerative medicine, platelet rich plasma, trigger point injections, spinal decompression, skilled physical therapy, and/or chiropractic. IMAC does not use a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare. Treatment plans are individualized to achieve maximum results. Contact IMAC Regeneration Center today to schedule an appointment to discover how we can help reduce or alleviate your pain without surgery or opioid pain medication.