Spinal discs cushion our vertebrae and allow for movement and flexibility in our spines. These discs have a tough outer casing and a soft interior. Occasionally, a tear occurs in the exterior of the disc and the jelly-like substance inside it pushes through that tear. This is most commonly called a herniated disc, but it may also be called a ruptured or slipped disc.
While some herniated discs won’t bring about any pain, other times, they can cause extreme pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities. If you suspect you have a herniated disc, you are likely searching for relief. Thankfully, Billings chiropractor Dr. Thomas Keogh is available to help.
How Does Chiropractic Work for Herniated Discs?
The basic premise of the science of chiropractic is that the spine houses the spinal cord, which is the primary message highway for the central nervous system. When a vertebra is out of alignment, it puts pressure on the nearby nerves and impedes communication, causing pain and dysfunction in the body’s systems. Chiropractors realign the spine to remove nerve interference and fix the problems associated with it.
With a herniated disc, the vertebrae nearby are likely so far out of alignment that they caused the disc to rupture. Even if the misalignment isn’t what caused the disc to rupture, it is unlikely to heal if the discs remain out of alignment. A chiropractic adjustment will not only align the spine, but it will also help the central nervous system work more optimally, which includes speeding up healing of the herniated disc.
Knowledge Is Power
Some people believe that the only way to treat a herniated disc is with surgery. While that may be necessary for a tiny part of the population, most herniated discs can be healed naturally and without invasive measures. They say that knowledge is power, and you have the power to advocate for yourself if you have a herniated disc and are being pushed toward pursuing invasive, dangerous, or painful treatments.
A study from 2015 looked at a 43-year-old male who had radiating low back pain, leg pain, and foot pain on the left side of his body. He had been diagnosed with disc protrusion and had utilized medication for pain relief with no success. He was unable to sleep, work, sit, or lie down without pain, and he had been referred to a surgeon for treatment. Upon hearing about chiropractic care for herniated discs, he sought out a chiropractor. He received 15 adjustments over 5 weeks, after which he reported lessened pain and an ability to sleep soundly once again.
Countless individuals have found relief from herniated disc pain under the care of a chiropractor. Dr. Thomas Keogh at Bare Chiropractic utilizes gentle, precise adjustments to optimize your comfort and safety, while still rendering extremely effective at minimizing pain and maximizing healing and whole body restoration. To learn more about chiropractic and its many benefits, get in touch with the team at Bare Chiropractic today and schedule your consultation.
Sources
Murphy, J., Morrison, T., Floyd, R., Alcantara, J. “Improvement in a Patient with Disc Protrusion and Extruded Fragment Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Selective Review of the Literature.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2015 Nov: 178-183. https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/04/improvement-in-a-patient-with-disc-protrusion-and-extruded-fragment-following-subluxation-based-chiropractic-care-a-case-study-selective-review-of-the-literature/
