Do You Have a Herniated Disc?
By Paul Rothbart
A herniated disc is a painful back problem that should not be ignored. This condition occurs when a disc in your low back becomes torn or bulges outwardly. In addition to pain, it can cause other problems with the spine. It should not be left untreated. Seeking help from a medical professional such as a chiropractor is recommended. How do you know if you have a herniated disc? Look for these symptoms.
Pain Radiating into Your Legs
Commonly known as sciatica, when pain shoots down from your lower spine into one or both legs, it's a strong sign you may have a herniated disc. The injured disc affects spinal nerves in one of two ways. The bulging part of the disc may be pressing on the spinal nerves where they exit the spinal column and move into the legs. This will cause pain to move along the nerve. A herniated disc sometimes leaks acidic chemicals. These compounds can cause inflammation and pain in the nerves that extend to the legs.
Pain When You Are Sitting
When you are sitting, your legs are angled at 90 degrees. This can place considerable pressure on your lower spine. A healthy spine can handle this if you have good posture. A herniated disc, however, may bulge even more under the pressure. Greater protrusion presses harder on the nerves and can create more back pain. Pain while sitting is an indicator that you may be suffering from a herniated disc.
Certain Activities Trigger Pain
The pain from a herniated disc often intensifies during certain activities. These activities can include lifting, pushing or pulling a heavy object, or just bending over. Even coughing or sneezing may cause flares of pain. When pain of this type occurs, it is usually fast and stabbing. It also doesn't appear to have been caused by an accident or injury.
See a Chiropractor
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment. A chiropractor can find the herniated disc or any other problems you may be having and make adjustments to relieve the pain. Chiropractors can also make suggestions for stretches and other ways to prevent the problem from recurring.
There are multiple kinds of back pain. Know the symptoms of a herniated disc. If you are having pain, think about a chiropractic visit. You can get a diagnosis and the chiropractor may relieve your pain and find any other problems you may be experiencing in your back, neck, or joints.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Murphy, Tex.