You may know someone who has experienced back pain due to a slipped disc. This type of injury can occur in accidents and also with general wear and tear on the body due to aging. No matter the cause of a slipped disc, the symptoms tend to be the same among everyone. Slipped discs can cause back pain that makes you feel like you can’t go about your day or do the things you normally would because of the discomfort. If you suspect you have a slipped disc or want to find out what is causing your back pain, then visit a walk-in chiropractor near you to find out more about what is causing your pain and discomfort and how a chiropractor can help.
What Is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc refers to an issue with the spinal discs that separate the vertebrae of the spinal column. In between each vertebra is a spinal disc with a tough outer shell and a gel-like interior that helps to absorb shock and prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against one another. Also known as a herniated disc, a slipped disc can occur when the soft interior of the disc slips out through a crack or tear in the tough, outer shell. The spinal column houses a complex series of nerves, and if a disc is not in its proper position, then it can put pressure on nearby nerves and disrupt healthy functioning in your body. Common causes of a slipped disc include car accident injuries, sports injuries, and wear and tear on the body with age. You can also experience a slipped disc if you turn or twist in an unnatural way and put too much stress and pressure on the spine.
Top 5 Signs of a Slipped Disc
A slipped disc is one of many reasons why you might be experiencing back or neck pain. Here are the top 5 signs to keep an eye out for if you suspect you have a slipped disc:
Tingling and Numbness
When a slipped or herniated disc occurs, it can compress nearby nerves and disrupt the message they typically send to other areas of the body. This can lead to sensations of tingling and numbness. Nerves along the spinal column communicate to your extremities, so a slipped disc in your neck can cause tingling and numbness in your arms, while a herniated disc in your lower back can cause those same sensations in your legs.
Burning Sensations
You may also experience a burning or stinging sensation that shoots out from the affected area and into your extremities. Burning sensations are typically associated with a compressed or damaged nerve. If the slipped disc is causing damage to a nearby nerve, then you may experience burning and other uncomfortable sensations along that nerve route.
Pain in Your Extremities
A slipped disc can also cause pain in your extremities like your arms and legs. Because the nerves that control your functioning and sensation are near the spine, any damage or disruption in that area can cause painful symptoms that radiate into other parts of the body.
Pain with Certain Movements
You may notice an increase in pain with certain movements, like moving from a sitting to a standing position. The pain caused by a slipped disc may also get worse with certain sleep positions, which can lead to sleep disturbance and an increase in pain at night.
Muscle Weakness
A slipped disc may also cause muscle weakness where you feel like a typical movement or amount of effort doesn’t create the usual response in your body. Weakened muscles with no obvious cause is typically a sign of a health condition that, like a slipped disc, can impact the nerves that control your muscles.
How Chiropractic Can Help
If you are suffering from pain and discomfort due to a slipped disc, then a chiropractor can help. Chiropractors use safe and gentle chiropractic adjustments to resolve misalignments in the spine and restore healthy functioning to the spine. Your chiropractor can also work with you to strengthen the muscles that support your back and spine. A neutral spine and proper posture can help minimize the chances of a slipped disc in the future.
Visit a walk-in chiropractor at a Pro-Care Medical Centers location near you and experience lasting pain relief from your slipped disc as soon as possible.
