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After performing certain tasks, you experience severe back pain. There are a few things that can cause this. Doctors About Care, PC can evaluate and diagnose the symptoms of your back pain, as they have done for their patients in West Islip since 1999. As West Islip herniated disc treatment chiropractic professionals, they have offered effective pain relief treatments to those suffering from back pains resulting from herniated/slipped discs.
The difference between a herniated disc and a slipped disc:
• A herniated disc is a ruptured disc. There is a weakening or loss of elasticity of the outer portion of the disc, causing the inner part of the disc to push outside of its boundary. Repetitive straining on the back; trauma, (i.e. from a fall or accident); and muscle imbalances, (placing an uneven pressure on the disc), can cause a disc to herniate (bulge).
• A slipped disc doesn't slip out of place; slipped disc is another name for a herniated, bulging, ruptured disc.
Disc herniation or slipped disc symptoms vary. Some people with this condition may not feel anything at all, while others may feel many symptoms similar to electric shock pain, when the compression affects the lower back, (known as the lumbar spine), the painful shocks will go down your legs. When a disc is herniated it will pinch the nerves in the affected area. When the compression is in your neck, the shocks will go down your arms. Some may experience tingling and/or numbness (a pins and needles sensation). Muscle weakness would occur due to nerve irritation. Herniated discs irritate the nerves and alters the signals sent from your brain to your arms or legs. Symptoms which requires immediate emergency medical treatment and are serious are bladder or bowel problems due to the herniated disc.
Disc herniation and slipped discs would also result in sciatica, resulting in pain of the lower back as well as pain radiating down the leg to the foot.
Herniated discs are diagnosed by a physical examination, as well as by MRI imaging (the MRI would be done only when the physical exam by the physician, after checking your muscle strength, reflexes, and other tests, lead to the diagnosis of disc herniation).
Treatment for herniated or slipped discs includes: rest, avoidance of activities that further aggravates the symptoms, ice and heat applications which helps relax the back muscles, relieve muscle spasms and also contributes to pain relief, physical therapy (see that section of our website for information on physical therapy). Physical therapy would include lumbar spine exercises to stabilize and strengthen the lumbar back muscles. As the muscles become well developed, they help control the lumbar spine, minimizing the risk of further nerve and disc injury. Strengthening the muscles of your body's core (including abdomen) is proved to be beneficial.
If you have tingling and/or radiating pain down your arms or legs, contact Doctors About Care, PC, West Islip herniated disc treatment chiropractic professionals, for an evaluation and diagnosis. For more information call
631-661-6611. |
