The spine is an essential part of our body, and when something goes wrong with it, we feel the impact. A common issue affecting the spine are disc problems. Herniated discs are when the center portion (a gelatinous material inside the disc), is able to migrate and push out either toward the nerves or toward the spinal cord in the spine.
That’s what’s called a herniation and there are various types. There are some that are major protrusions, some that are encroaching on the spinal cord itself, and some that are encroaching on the nerves. And sometimes there are pieces that can migrate or break off.
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms experienced by individuals with herniated or bulging discs include back or neck pain. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, radiating pain, or weakness in the lower or upper extremities. Herniated discs in the neck can even cause headaches and tingling or pain in the shoulder blade area, leading patients to believe they have a separate issue.
Thorough Evaluation & Personalized Treatment Plans
When seeking treatment for a herniated disc, it is crucial to receive a comprehensive evaluation and examination. This typically involves assessments from orthopedic, neurological, chiropractic, and radiographical perspectives. These evaluations help determine the exact nature of the problem, whether it is related to a disc, nerve issue, or alignment problem.
Based on the examination results, a customized care plan can be developed to address the patient’s specific needs. Depending on the severity of the herniation and what type it is may determine the type of treatment that’s needed. It’s important to know that not everyone is a candidate for spinal decompression. Some people just need chiropractic care and others require core strengthening, and sadly some may require surgery.
Results and Expectations
For patients who do receive laser disc decompression for their disc issues, they often experience immediate relief after just a few sessions of treatment. However, the response time may vary from one individual to another. While some patients respond positively after the first session, others may require several sessions before noticing significant improvements.
After several sessions, if a patient isn’t responding as readily as we would like them to, we can change the protocol, the positioning, and the setup of the computerized algorithms to make sure it’s customized to that patient’s needs to maximize their recovery.
You don’t have to put up with herniated or bulging discs. Contact Parkside Health & Wellness Center today to book an appointment. We want to help you get relief and heal.