Disc conditions can be very painful and affect your day-to-day life. Fortunately, these problems are treatable. At Elan Wellness Center in Tampa, we provide chiropractic care for disc conditions and other health issues.
What Are Spinal Disc Conditions?
Spinal discs are rubbery pads between the vertebrae. Vertebrae run the length of your spine, and spinal discs keep them from rubbing together and causing pain. Each disc is an inch in diameter and about 1/4 of an inch thick. They have a tough outer membrane and an elastic core.
Children have very flexible discs, but they become harder over time. By middle age, the discs are similar to hard rubber, with little yield. They also deteriorate as part of the normal aging process. These factors make disc problems more likely as you age.
Types of Spinal Disc Conditions
Herniated discs, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease are the most common spinal disc problems. These can cause other conditions, including a pinched nerve or sciatica. When you have a bulging disc, the disc begins to bulge out in one area. This can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain. A herniated disc occurs when the outer membrane ruptures, and the soft tissue begins to leak through.
Symptoms of a bulging or herniated disc include:
- Difficulty walking
- Pain in the extremities (including the arms and hips)
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pain in the back
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease can occur as part of the aging process. As you age, your discs deteriorate. If the discs do not receive proper blood flow, they are unable to repair themselves. Heavy lifting, accidents, sports injuries, and obesity can increase the risk of degenerative disc disease.
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the extremities
- Pain that gets worse when you twist or bend
- Pain that gets better with walking and frequent position changes
- The severity of pain fluctuating from mild to severe
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can help your body heal and relieve the pain caused by these conditions. Spinal manipulation is often the first step a chiropractor uses for treatment. Spinal misalignment can cause pain and puts unnecessary strain on your body.
Through gentle manipulation techniques, your spine can be realigned. In the case of bulging or herniated discs, traction is often used. This removes the pressure on your spine, allowing the discs to naturally move back into place. Complimentary treatments can be helpful as well. Massage therapy can ease the pain and increase blood flow, which helps with the healing process.
Contact Our Chiropractor in Westchase, FL
If you live in Tampa, Westchase, or the surrounding areas, and you are experiencing pain that you think may be related to a disc condition, contact our team at Elan Wellness Center. Dr. Tran will perform a thorough examination and create a treatment plan to relieve your pain and speed up your recovery. Call us today at (813) 855-0001 to schedule a consultation.
