Herniated Disc Treatment Options

Find out if pain, numbness or tingling could be the result of a herniated disc.

Between each vertebrae of the spine there are little cushions known as discs. When the disc is herniated this means that it has slipped out of place, which is why some people refer to a herniated disc as a slipped or prolapsed disc. While this may cause little to no symptoms in some people, it can be painful for others. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a herniated disc and what our Potomac, MD, chiropractors can do to help.

How do I know that I have a herniated disc?

Pinpointing where the pain is originating may help you determine whether the pain may be from a herniated disc. While a herniated disc can truly occur anywhere in the spine it’s most common in the lower back (the lumbar region) above the hips. This means that you may experience back pain that radiates to the thighs, buttocks and even the calves.

If you have a herniated disc, the pain will often lessen with rest but get worse with movement. You may notice pain when sneezing or coughing because of the pressure being placed on the nerves.

Of course, while these can all be telltale signs that your back pain is due to a herniated disc the only way to find out is to visit a chiropractor in Potomac, MD. A physical examination alone may be all you need to confirm a herniated disc; however, sometimes imaging tests may be recommended to rule out other possible causes.

How is a herniated disc treated?

The goal of any chiropractor is to provide you with effective treatment options that prevent the need for surgery unless it’s absolutely necessary. Many people can manage back pain and other symptoms with simple nonsurgical treatment options including:

• Spinal manipulation and chiropractic adjustments
• Manual therapies
• Therapeutic exercises
• Ice or heat therapy
• Physical therapy
• Oral steroids
• Epidural injections

These therapies may be performed regularly for up to six weeks to ease back pain. Some patients may also choose to use pain relievers to temporarily alleviate discomfort. Only those patients who don’t experience relief from their symptoms or are dealing with loss of function may require surgery to repair the herniated disc.

No matter whether you’ve already been diagnosed with a herniated disc or you are noticing symptoms that may indicate that you have herniated disc, it’s important that you seek proper medical care. With offices in Gaithersburg, Potomac, Urbana, and Clarksburg, MD, King Chiropractic makes it easy for patients to get the treatment they need to handle a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints.