Disc Injuries
Acute disc injury more commonly known as a slipped disc, causes
excruciating pain in the lower back region. The discs of the spinal column can split, wear or herniate and this causes the disc injury. So what are the causes, symptoms and treatments for disc injury? These are explained below.
Causes of a Disc Injury
The spinal column is supported by the skeletal structure of bones that are separated by discs. They are there to put some distance between the spinal column and the vertebrae, allowing you to move and bend comfortably. These discs face wear and tear due to constant and exerted use. Some injury or disease can also damage them.
They can either rupture or get herniated, which means they can shift from their position. This causes pressure on the spinal nerves and results in severe pain, weakness in the limbs and lower back as well as numbness. Sometimes a herniated disc occurs because of a disease known as radiculopathy. The chances of having disc injuries increase after the age of 35. Mostly the disc damage is part of the aging problem. It is more problematic in some people and less severe in others.
Signs and Symptoms
A slipped disc could cause the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain in the lower back
- Pain in one leg, hip or butt
- The pain is sometimes in the back of the calf or sole of the foot
- If the slipped disc is in the neck, it could lead to intense pain in the neck
- Sever pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain when moving the upper arm or forearms
- Numbness in shoulder, forearm, shoulders and sometimes fingers
- When the condition is severe, there is pain in standing, sitting, when getting out of bed, sneezing, laughing or bending backwards
Treatments for Disc Injuries
Disc injury or slipped disc can be treated with both medicinal and alternative methods. Narcotics or other pain medicines are given to alleviate the pain. Prescribed steroid injects are also recommended for pain. In more severe conditions surgery might also be suggested. Most patients are asked to change their lifestyles so that the problem does not recur or become more aggravated.
Seeking an Acupuncturist
Acupuncture is considered to be one very beneficial treatment for slipped disc. Acupuncture has been proven to reduce inflammation in the of a slipped disc. By reducing the inflammation in the immediate disc area it can It helps in reliving the pain without causing any side effects of the medicines. When you go to an acupuncturist, they will check the condition of your disc and then devise a treatment plan for you. The number of sessions and duration would depend on the severity of your condition.
Consulting a Chiropractor
After conducting a thorough examination, your chiropractor will decide the type of disc injury you have and then treat it accordingly. Spinal manipulation is the most common chiropractic treatment for herniated discs. Every session is developed depending on the individual needs of the patient. Research shows that chiropractic is more beneficial in slipped discs as compared along with to other kinds of physiotherapy treatments. More patients find relief from pain when they visit a chiropractor.
- by Lotus Wellness Center