A herniated or “slipped” disc can cause various symptoms, depending on the location of the disc. Commonly, pain is experienced in the area affected, as well as radiating pain, numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, feet or hands. Weakness and muscle spasms can also occur when nerves are compressed as well.
What Is It?
“A slipped disc is a generic term for a disc that has gotten inflamed, swollen, bulging, or herniated. Discs don’t actually slip out of place though. But when they swell, bulge, or herniate, they can put pressure on the nerves and release chemicals to surrounding nerves and tissues like bradykinins and other inflammatory related enzymes and chemicals that cause a lot of pain,” said Dr. Bogart.
These disc herniations or bulges can also put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves causing what is know as stenosis or a closing of the holes where these structures reside. And that can lead to radicular problems, such as sciatica, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
How Spinal Decompression Can Help
Non-surgical spinal decompression is one of the few things you can do to directly address the disc based on the pumping mechanism of the decompression table. This is done by creating a negative pressure that sucks the disc material back into the disc. This action also increases its fluid and nutrients, thereby “unslipping the disc.”
Can All Ages Benefit?
While spinal decompression is appropriate for all ages, people between 25 and 55 usually achieve the best results. After the age of 65, patients still respond well, but the ability to restore becomes more challenging.