Treat your herniated cervical and lumbar discs with chiropractic therapy

Herniated discs can cause a variety of different symptoms. However, those symptoms can vary depending on where the disc herniation occurs in the spine. Now, we will take a closer look at the symptoms of herniated discs based on where they develop in your back.

Cervical disc herniation

Cervical disc herniation often results in neck and arm pain in patients due to direct impingement of nerve roots and associated inflammatory processes. The clinical presentation usually corresponds with the side of herniation, and ipsilateral symptoms predominate the clinical picture. Herniated discs in the cervical portion of the spine are less common than in the lumbar portion because there is less disc material and much less force applied to the disc in the cervical area compared to the lumbar portion.

You put a decent amount of pressure on your cervical spine when you are hunched over looking at your phone, but it's your lumbar spine that absorbs the majority of the force when you bend over to pick something up or twist and turn your body during athletic competition. Symptoms of a herniated disc in the cervical spine differ based on the degree of herniation and the specific vertebrae involved. For example, herniation of a cervical disc will generally involve some nerve compression or impingement, and the compressed nerves will dictate your symptoms.

Lumbar disc herniation

The most common type of herniated disc is one that develops in the lumbar spine. As you might have guessed based on its location, a disc herniated in the lower part of your spine generally affects your lower body extremities. Lumbar herniated discs are a widespread medical problem, most often affecting people aged 35 to 50.

A herniated disc typically involves nerve root impingement of nerves that radiate down your leg. This means you may experience leg weakness, inhibited gait, or pain that radiates down your leg, especially during movement. You may also notice weakness or numbness in your feet and toes. A more serious problem associated with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine includes bladder problems, such as the inability to hold or release urine. These symptoms should be examined by a doctor immediately.

What are the chiropractic solutions?

Chiropractic treatment is a non-surgical option for disc herniation. It is often the first option for care because it is non-invasive and does not involve drugs or injections.

Manipulation of the cervical spine or neck region is a common technique utilized by chiropractors for many patients complaining of neck, upper back, and shoulder/arm pain, as well as headaches. Similar to the treatment for many conditions affecting the low back, chiropractic therapy is considered a first line of treatment for a range of cervical spine conditions. The chiropractic treatment goals for cervical spine complaint management include, but are not limited to, some combination of reducing pain, improving motion, and restoring function to the head and neck region.

Lumbar disc herniation can be treated with the chiropractic flexion-distraction technique, which is a gentle and non-forced approach. This non-invasive technique reduces the pressure between the vertebrae bodies, increasing the functionality and mobility of the spine. The flexion-distraction technique is a safe and non-forceful procedure that treats compressed or injured spinal nerves, relieving pain and discomfort in patients with ruptured or bulged discs. Repetitive movements and pressure points are used to slowly relax the affected area, allowing it to function normally.

Among the benefits of this technique are:

• Relieves stiffness
• Improves posture
• Reduces herniated disc pressure on the spinal nerves
• Decreases headaches and neck pain
• Improves mobility and functionality
• Decreases sensory changes
• Facilitates blood flow
• Reduces sciatic symptoms and promotes good disc health.