I am a woman, hear me roar— or shriek from back pain, if you are one of the many women who battle an aching back on a regular basis. 

Ladies, we’ll give you the disappointing news first: studies have shown that there are a handful of back conditions that tend to affect women more than men. It’s a bummer that your gender marker could automatically make you more susceptible to certain painful conditions. Perhaps even a little unfair? 

So for our female readers suffering from chronic, nagging back pain, we offer this post in hopes that you’ll take heart in learning conservative care and preventative options exist. Let’s delve into the more common back conditions that affect women in particular.

Fibromyalgia 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fibromyalgia is twice as common in women as it is in men. Disappointingly, the cause of fibromyalgia is largely unknown and there is no known cure. Though hormonal levels may play a role, there has yet to be conclusive evidence found in research to support this theory. However, there are constructive ways to treat the pain and achiness for a better quality of life.  And that’s a huge win!

Just what is “fibromyalgia?” It’s a condition that causes aching and pain all over the body and is generally chronic in nature. Some of the more common symptoms include extreme fatigue, sleep trouble, headaches, and numbness or tingling of the hands and feet. Because the nature of each case can differ significantly, treatment, in turn, needs to be customized. 

So where do you start? Figuring out what’s best for you can be tricky, but as you learn more about your condition and how your body reacts to treatment, you’re better prepared to make adjustments and plan for the future. Basic home care is a good place to begin, including: 

• Getting good quality sleep–you’ve no doubt heard the importance of sleep a million times before, but it’s true. Your body needs sleep to recover and heal, particularly when you’re trying to ward off aches and pains.
• Reducing stress— we know…easier said than done. Helpful practices often include practicing meditation and potentially seeking counseling for more extreme cases. 
• Exercising regularly, even if that just means walking around your neighborhood. 

Though fibromyalgia can happen seemingly randomly, you should also be aware of the more common triggers. For women, the hormonal changes that happen during menopause and pregnancy can sometimes flare up an already existing fibromyalgia case. Extreme stress, both short and long-term, as well as drastic changes in weather, can also touch off this condition. 

Compression Fractures From Osteoporosis 

This is a big one, especially in women who are approaching, are in, or past menopause. In fact, of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, a whopping 80% are female. Women, in general, have smaller, thinner bones than their male counterparts. Couple that with the sharp decline in estrogen (a hormone that greatly contributes to bone health) during menopause, and the risk for fracture significantly increases. 

Compression fractures from osteoporosis usually happen in the front of the spine, collapsing an already thin bone. This leads to sharp acute pain in the back, which can turn chronic when left untreated. If you’re experiencing acute back pain that was not present before, seek medical attention. Compression fractures often go misdiagnosed as general back pain; pay close attention to your symptom patterns so that you can help give your practitioner the full story.

To treat a compression fracture with conservative care, a couple of days of bed rest immediately following the fracture are generally recommended. However, be careful not to stay inactive for too long, as this can worsen the overall effect of osteoporosis and put you at risk for other fractures. Some back bracing can help under the instruction of a doctor, as well as some gentle physical therapy exercises. 

How Chiropractic Can Help Women With Back Pain

When you’ve tried home care and it just isn’t providing sufficient relief, you’re experiencing more intense pain on a more frequent basis, or, when you want a more proactive approach to preventing back pain altogether, it’s time to seek professional care. Chiropractic care can provide the relief you are seeking. Gentle, chiropractic adjustments help to alleviate pressure in your joints and allow your entire body to function better, provided there is no fracture present. Plus, your practitioner can recommend the best at-home exercises to keep your healing on the track outside of the office, beneficial for both fracture and non-fracture cases.

Ladies, you know the importance of taking care of yourself; schedule your chiropractic appointment online or call (626) 469-7478.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.

Ever notice you have feelings of pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially after periods of inactivity? How about neck pain and fatigue? This combination of pain could be an indicator of a more serious and chronic condition, spinal arthritis. 

While the name alone is jarring, the condition is very treatable. It’s important though, to completely understand what spinal arthritis is, and get an accurate diagnosis. Let’s start off with a working understanding: spinal arthritis is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the spine, although other joints may also be affected. The symptoms can be unpredictable: they might get worse, improve, or even stop altogether. The good news: the symptoms that are causing you so much pain and discomfort can be effectively managed. 

So what happens when spinal arthritis strikes? Who is most likely to get it…and most importantly, what you can do to ease your symptoms?

A Closer Look Spinal Arthritis

Also known as ankylosing spondylitis, spinal arthritis causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. Because spinal arthritis can sometimes cause the vertebrae to fuse together, patients suffering from spinal arthritis sometimes walk with a noticeable, hunched-over posture.

Spinal arthritis affects men more often than women, with symptoms typically starting in early adulthood. While spinal arthritis has no cure, treatments can ease your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

The areas most commonly affected by spinal arthritis are:

• Hip and shoulder joints
• The joint between the base of your spine and your pelvis (sacroiliac)
• Vertebrae in your lower back
• Places where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones (entheses), especially in your spine
• The cartilage between your breastbone and ribs

Causes, Complications and Risk Factors of Spinal Arthritis

The origins of spinal arthritis are somewhat mysterious; there is no known, specific cause. However, we know genetics play a role, and people who have a gene called HLA-B27 have a higher risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.

In cases of severe spinal arthritis, the body’s attempt to heal actually results in a new bone-forming. Slowly, this new bone bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses entire sections together. Those parts of your spine become stiff and inflexible. 

Additional complications may include:

• Eye inflammation (uveitis): rapid-onset eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision are hallmarks of uveitis. 
• Compression fractures: during the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis, it’s possible your bones may thin causing vertebrae to crumble and making stooped posture more pronounced. 
• Heart problems: ankylosing spondylitis can cause an inflamed aorta, enlarging it, and distorting the shape of the heart’s aortic valve, which impairs its function.

When Should You Seek Medical Treatment?

If you have low back or buttock pain that came on slowly, gets worse in the morning, or awakens you from your sleep in the second half of the night, it’s wise to consult a medical professional. 

In general, you should always see a doctor when symptoms start affecting your daily living. Planning life around your symptoms, putting activities on hold, or sitting on the sidelines due to pain are clear indicators it’s time to make an appointment. Don’t try to navigate your symptoms on your own.

Chiropractic Care for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chiropractic manipulation often provides excellent relief from the symptoms that are causing you pain and discomfort. (Keep in mind that chiropractic manipulation should be limited to the non-acute inflammatory stage of spinal arthritis, so as not to injure any connective tissue.)

Because chiropractic care focuses on each patient’s individual circumstances and medical history, every treatment plan looks a little different. However, in addition to targeted chiropractic adjustments, exercise is often an integral part of an effective treatment plan for ankylosing spondylitis. Simple activities such as body extensions, range-of-movement, and stretching exercises can produce powerful results for many patients.

Finally, because chiropractic treatment does not include medication, it can be safely combined with other treatments making chiropractic care treatment of choice for many arthritis patients.

Are you ready to finally find some relief from your back stiffness and pain? Make an appointment with us online or by calling our office at (626) 469-7478 to learn how we can create your customized treatment plan. 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional. For diagnosis and treatment of your specific condition, schedule an appointment with our office.

If you’ve been plagued by lower back pain and discomfort, you’re not alone. An astonishing 80 percent of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Not to mention, it is also the leading cause of job-related disability and is cited as the number one reason for missed work time. For a condition that is so incredibly common, it seems that many people feel ill-equipped to manage their everyday symptoms. 

Perhaps an overarching issue with managing back pain is that the discomfort makes complete rest tempting, when in fact the real gains come from incorporating the right exercises into your routine. Certain movements can help to strengthen the muscles around the back to better support your spine and lower back in return. We’ve rounded up some of what we feel are the most effective and easily implemented exercises for lower back pain. Let’s get started.

Bird-Dog Repeats

This exercise is great to counteract lower back pain because it helps with balance and stabilization– two things that protect your back and counteract weakness along with the pain associated with it. 

To perform this exercise, start on your hands and knees and engage your core muscles. Lift and extend one leg directly behind you, holding for five seconds. Then, repeat this movement on the other leg. Continue to alternate legs and, when you are comfortable, start also extending the opposite arm at the same time as the leg. While you’re doing this exercise, be sure to keep your core engaged and your back flat. Be careful not to raise your limbs past a point where you can maintain control of your lower back positioning. Repeat this exercise 8 – 12 times within pain-free limits of motion. 

Wall Sits

Grab a friend and try some wall sits! This exercise can be a really fun challenge, and it just happens to be a great tool to help combat lower back pain. 

Lean back and flatten your back against a wall. Slowly slide down until your knees are partially bent, keeping your back against the wall and your core engaged. Hold this for about 10 seconds, then slide back up the wall for a break. When you’re ready for another repeat, slide back down and time yourself again. Repeat this 8-10 times.

This movement helps to strengthen both your core and your leg muscles, two systems that contribute to helping your spine and backstay protected and happy. This is a great exercise to keep in your routine even after back pain has passed.

Knee-To-Chest Movement

This one may sound simple, but it can pack so many benefits for your lower back! This light stretch can help coax some of the tight, spasming muscles around your back to unlock a bit. Trust us, that’s a very good thing! 

Start by lying on your back with both knees bent. Engage your core, and try to flatten your back toward the ground. Keeping your back flat on the ground, bring one knee up toward your torso; reach out with your hands, and give it a gentle pull toward your chest to deepen the stretch and hold for about five seconds. Slowly lower your leg back down, and repeat this with your other leg. 

Note: if you’re one of many people who is particularly tight and having difficulty with flexibility, you may find it challenging to reach out and grab your knee as you lift it. In this case, simply use a towel for assistance. Wrap the towel around the base of your knee and use the ends to gently pull your leg closer without compromising your lower back form. This is a common yoga move to help people advance through movements that they may struggle with at first.

Movements To Avoid 

Though the movement is good for your lower back, there are certain exercises that can exacerbate existing pain. Always use pain and discomfort as an indicator when performing new activities, but also be aware some movements may be best to avoid altogether. These include standing toe touches, leg lifts, and any movement that involves twisting of your back.

How Chiropractic Can Help Lower Back Pain

Regular chiropractic treatment is another great conservative care option for not only overall health but also back pain. The gentle adjustments that your practitioner can apply during an appointment help to realign the spine and extremities for better overall function. These adjustments not only help your whole body feel better, but they can also fend off inflammation and even help support your immune system. This is especially important while your body is in the healing process. Not to mention, your practitioner can help you pinpoint which at-home exercises may suit your injury best. 

By scheduling regular chiropractic care, you can help to keep your body and your immune system in tip-top shape. During the initial evaluation, we will go over your health history in detail and construct a plan that you are completely comfortable with before moving forward. Don’t neglect your health; schedule an appointment online or call (626) 469-7478. 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when normal changes in spinal discs take place over time, causing you pain.

Think of spinal discs as shock absorbers in between the vertebrae of your spine which help it to stay flexible. As you age, the discs begin to break down. This process is a natural occurrence, but if your lower back pain won’t seem to go away, you might be suffering from DDD. 

If any of the following patterns sound familiar, then you may want to visit a chiropractor for a spinal analysis:

• More pain while sitting for a long time, lifting, twisting, or bending.
• Less pain when walking or running
• Less pain if you frequently change positions
• Less pain if you lie down

What does it mean to have degenerative changes in the spine?

Just the name alone—degenerative disc disease—sounds scary. Is there cause for alarm and should you be concerned if you’ve received a DDD diagnosis? 

Yes and no. When changes in the spine cause the loss of normal structure or function, it’s considered degenerative.  Your spine carries a huge portion of your body’s weight. Over time, the collagen (protein) in your spine weakens. Meanwhile, water and proteoglycan (PG) content also decreases, and thus the discs become unable to withstand daily mechanical stress. These changes are caused by regular use, but habits like smoking or an unhealthy diet may also be contributors. Fortunately, most patients who suffer from DDD respond well to non-surgical treatment.

Non-Surgical Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments

If you think you have or you’ve been diagnosed with DDD, bed rest may be helpful for a few days during the most painful phases. However, each patient is different and will have a unique treatment plan; after bed rest, your treatment plan may call for several different remedies including stretching, extension exercises, aerobics, acupuncture, medication, and chiropractic adjustments.

Stretching exercises

Lower back pain may limit flexibility, and following a prescribed set of stretching exercises can improve movement in the trunk muscles. Stretching exercises help to widen the intervertebral foramen, the small canals on the left and right sides of your spinal column through which the nerve roots exit the spinal cord.

Extension exercises

The McKenzie Method is an example of an extension exercise for the lower back muscles and ligaments. They help maintain proper spine curvature and reinforce healthy posture.

Aerobics 

Amped-up muscular endurance, a better sense of coordination, stronger abdominal muscles and weight loss are just a few of the benefits of aerobic exercise. 

Low or no-impact aerobic exercise like walking, biking, and swimming only put slightly more strain on your lower back than lying down while also strengthening your core. Stronger abdominal muscles help reduce the weight your lumbar spine is forced to hold up on its own.  As an added bonus, aerobic exercise helps keep anxiety and depression at bay for many patients. 

Acupuncture

Although it should usually be combined with other treatments, acupuncture has been shown to jumpstart the production of endorphins, acetylcholine (an important neurotransmitter in the nervous system), and serotonin. 

Medication

Especially during the intense initial phase of low back pain, medications may be prescribed. Acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory agents, and even muscle relaxants can be effective.

Because of the strong potential for addiction, narcotics and even anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) should only be used temporarily.

Depression can also contribute to low back pain, and there are non-drug ways to address that which may improve both mood and sleep.

We do not condone taking medications for pain, but we realize that people do. Our intent is to provide caution around doing so, and make sure people realize this is not a viable long-term solution. 

If you experience an ongoing need for pain medicine we strongly urge you to come in and let us evaluate what is causing that pain. Whenever possible we want to treat and eliminate the underlying cause of pain, rather than mask it.

Chiropractic adjustments

Performed by chiropractors and physical therapists, adjustments can greatly improve DDD, making it much easier to twist, bend, and move around in daily life. Adjustments (also called manipulations) involve carefully placing pressure on spinal joints to relieve dysfunction and pain.

Your chiropractor may also perform different types of manual therapy to treat your DDD symptoms, including:

• Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques to relieve pain and other DDD symptoms.
• Therapeutic massage to help reduce muscle tension.
• Trigger point therapy, which relieves tension by putting direct pressure on tight painful points in the muscle.
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, reducing or eliminating pain by using various chiropractic instruments.

Living with Degenerative Disc Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease, the good news is most patients respond well to non-surgical treatment.  If your pain is persistent and continues even after bed rest, consult with your chiropractor. Together, your chiropractor will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your acute lower back pain and reinforce a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding tobacco, maintaining a regular fitness program plus dietary adjustments. 

This article isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If lower back pain has been an issue for you, you don’t have to keep suffering. Make an appointment online or call us (626) 469-7478, and let’s get to the root of your back pain as well as create a treatment plan just for you.

80% of people in the U.S. will experience some form of back pain (also called “sciatic pain”) during their lifetime. That’s far too many days spent sitting on the sidelines and struggling through daily tasks.

What might be causing your back pain isn’t always easy to determine, in part because most back pain starts days — sometimes even weeks or months — before the first symptoms ever show up. This can make it difficult to connect the pain back to its root cause.

We do know things like sports injuries, car accidents, inactivity, obesity, and poor posture are some of the most common culprits. What are some preventative measures you can take to ease the tension in your back?

7 Ways to Prevent Lower Back Pain

1. Exercise at least twice each week. You’ll strengthen the muscles in the spine as you improve flexibility and balance. Unsure where to start? Try some gentle yoga to begin.
2. Drink water! Half your body weight in ounces is a great guideline.
3. When you’re sitting down for long periods, incorporate breaks. Be sure to stand up periodically and spread your weight evenly on both legs.
4. Consider supplementing with vitamins D and k2. Be sure to ask your doctor before starting any new regimen.
5. Stretch before bed. If possible, sleep on your side.
6. Stop smoking. We’re all aware of the cardiovascular health risks — but did you know smoking also lowers the blood flow to the lower spine and promotes degeneration of the spinal disks, too? More great reasons to give up the habit.

Sometimes, though, we all struggle with an aching back. When it comes to treatment, the most common course of action is to simply take a “wait and see” approach — in most cases, back pain will resolve on its own within a month. Many people also find relief through acupuncture, chiropractic care, or perhaps anti-inflammatory herbs such as ginger, curcumin, and Boswellia.

And there’s another mode of treatment you may have heard about that can be amazingly effective…a tennis ball.

Tennis Ball Therapy – How it Works

How does a common tennis ball relieve your sciatic pain? It presses and treats the trigger points in the piriformis muscle, located beside your sciatic nerve. As your body weight presses into the part of your back that’s causing you pain, your muscles will relax and release. You’ll also improve your mobility and increase circulation.

It’s empowering to take charge of your own healing journey as you combine the benefits of massage, acupressure, and reflexology. You’re relieving muscle tension and soothing your sore muscles — all with a tennis ball.

How To Administer Tennis Ball Therapy

Massaging your body with a tennis ball is what’s called “self trigger point therapy,” because you can administer treatment yourself, and, it can be done in the comfort of your own home. As this treatment method grows in popularity and information continues to circulate, it’s very important to make sure you’re doing it properly.

Start by watching this instructional video: 

Then, try it for yourself:

1. Lie down on the tennis ball.

2. Adjust the tennis ball so it’s right at the painful spot on your lower back or glutes.

3. Relax and roll up and down on the ball, holding the ball on the most painful spot for 30-60 seconds.

4. Move the tennis ball on to the next painful spot, and repeat.

Total time spent: 5-10 minutes.

Similar to when you get a deep tissue massage, you might experience pain initially — but don’t worry, you’ll soon feel relief.  

More Serious Back Pain

What if you’ve tried the preventative measures, done the tennis ball therapy, but your back still isn’t feeling better…now what?  If you have persistent back pain, you should always see a medical professional when symptoms start affecting your daily living. Planning life around your symptoms or putting activities on hold due to pain are clear indicators it’s time to make an appointment online or call us (626) 469-7478 and discuss a personalized treatment plan. 

Chiropractic care and gentle adjustments of the spine can help reduce your pain; massage therapy eases the tension in your muscles and increases blood circulation. The combination of the two is especially effective and ongoing treatment can help you maintain good posture, improve your range of motion and keep your spine aligned, thereby putting an end to your back pain once and for all.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.

Herniated discs can happen to both athletic and non-athletic folk alike. That doesn’t make the back and neck pain or nerve sensations any more pleasant for the former population. Figuring out treatment while also trying to nail down a return-to-activity plan can feel incredibly daunting, especially for athletes. How can you visualize pushing yourself in training again when you’re experiencing so much discomfort at rest?

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a fitness fanatic, or near-professional status, rushed training or accidents in training can lead to a disc herniation. Though the journey back to full health can be overwhelming, most herniated discs are treated successfully through consistent, conservative care. Let’s take a look at this condition and your treatment options. 

How Does A Disc Herniation Occur?

The vertebrae that stack to make up our spine all have small pads between them, called “discs.” They serve as little shock absorbers to help protect our spine during day-to-day and dynamic movement. These discs are made up of a tougher outer cartilage ring and a softer, gel-like center. When a disc herniates, the soft-center portion is pushed through the outer cartilage edge. 

This kind of herniation is very common in high-contact sports, like football. It is also common with high-load activities, like complex, heavy weight lifting that requires twisting. However, one of the tricky aspects of this injury is how it presents in various cases. Once a disc has herniated, the displacement can put pressure on the nerves within the spine, causing an array of referral patterns. Though neck and lower back pain is a common symptom, a herniated disc in the lumbar region can also cause tingling in one leg or buttocks and a burning sensation in the neck. A herniated disc that’s located closer to the neck can cause tingling and burning in one arm or shoulder. 

Symptoms of weakness or numbness are considered more serious symptoms from a herniated disc and should be looked at by a medical professional immediately.

How Can You Prevent A Herniated Disc?

As with most injuries, taking preventative measures is always the ideal. To help protect your spine against a herniated disc, pay extra close attention to your posture and athletic form especially while performing high-load activities. Many sports injuries in the weight room happen when an athlete is near the end of a workout, becoming fatigued, and gets a bit lazy with their form toward their ending repetitions. 

A good rule of thumb: if you’re too tired to execute the exercise with less than perfect form, you’re too tired. Take the cue from your body and focus on rest instead of getting in that last set. 

You can also implement exercises that strengthen and stabilize the trunk muscles. This is especially important for athletes who play contact sports like football, basketball and soccer. By strengthening these muscles, your body is better prepared to respond protectively when contact does inevitably occur.

How Can You Treat A Herniated Disc?

Surgery is not the immediate answer to treat all herniated discs, and in fact, most cases have positive results from conservative care. For starters, basic rest can work wonders. For active individuals and athletes, this can feel especially difficult! But in the long run, time off now could mean more time back in the game later than if you try to push through pain and discomfort. 

Many also experience relief from using ice around the area to help decrease inflammation, as well as the application of some analgesic cream. 

Chiropractic Care For Disc Herniation

Chiropractic treatment is another great option within conservative care for a disc herniation. A chiropractor will evaluate the entire spine to better understand where your pain is truly coming from before providing any treatment. Once they have a better understanding of your personal pain pattern and symptoms, they may apply some gentle adjustments that can help to realign the spine for better overall function during the healing process. Depending on your specific case, some additional manual therapy may also be applied to encourage healing. Your chiropractor can also help prescribe the best at-home exercises to quicken your recovery time outside of the office. 

By scheduling regular chiropractic care, you can help keep your body’s response system in tip-top shape and minimize inflammation. During the initial evaluation, we will go over your symptom history in detail and construct a treatment plan that you are completely comfortable with before moving forward. Don’t put off your healing; schedule an appointment online or call (626) 469-7478. 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.

If you have a herniated disc, you’re all too familiar with the neck or back pain that comes with it— radiating pain in your arms, hips, buttocks, or legs are common symptoms.

Just what causes a herniated disc? 

Over time, discs can simply become worn down, a process called “disc degeneration.” Spinal discs lose some of their water content with age, making them less flexible and more at risk of rupturing, even with a seemingly-minor strain that comes with everyday living. While most patients can’t pinpoint the cause of their herniated disc, others report that it was a powerful sneeze caused a disc to rupture or tear. Regardless of how the rupture occurs, when the liquid center of the disc spills out into the spinal column through the tear in the outer lining of the disc, painful, life-affecting symptoms can result. 

What are your treatment options and which should you absolutely avoid?

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs are sometimes called ruptured or slipped discs. When your spinal disc ruptures it sometimes causes nerves on the hard outer layer of the disc to become irritated. This causes pain in the area around the disc. If material from the inner disc causes spinal compression your symptoms may shoot out to other areas of your body, causing you to experience and combination of:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weak muscles and muscle spasms

Herniated discs in your neck can cause the above symptoms in your shoulders and arms, while a herniated disc in the lower back can cause these symptoms to show up in your buttocks, thighs, and even your feet. These painful symptoms are also a common cause of sciatica.

Herniated Discs: The Basics

Over time discs can simply become worn down, a process called disc degeneration. Spinal discs lose some of their water content with age, making them less flexible and more at risk of rupturing, even with a seemingly-minor strain that comes with everyday living. While most patients can’t pinpoint the cause of their herniated disc, others report that it was a powerful sneeze caused a disc to rupture or tear!

When the liquid center of the disc spills out into the spinal column through the tear in the outer lining of the disc, painful, life-affecting symptoms can result. 

The 3 Most Common Types of Herniated Discs

When you’re experiencing the effects of a herniated disc, the type of symptoms depends largely on the location and severity of the damaged disc.

Your spine is made up of three regions: cervical, thoracic and lumbar. The soft-yet-strong discs that provide cushion for each section of your spine make it possible for your spine to support your upper body, maintain a wide range of motion, and support your head all at the same time. 

The three main types of herniated discs are:

• Lumbar herniated discs are between any of the vertebrae numbered 1 – 5 in the lower back. This is the most common type of herniated discs, as it supports so much weight and movement. Tingling, numbness, and lower body muscle weakness are all symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc.
• Cervical herniated discs. These are located between any of the vertebrae numbered 1 – 7 in the neck, and have the complex task of supporting and moving your head. Symptoms here can begin in the neck and travel out to the shoulders, arms, and hands. Shooting pain, numbness, and impaired fine motor skills are also common symptoms of cervical herniated discs.
• Thoracic herniated discs are found between any of the vertebrae numbered 1 – 12 in the middle back. This type of herniated disc is comparatively rare since vertebrae are attached to the rib cage and don’t move. A traumatic injury such as a car accident is more likely to cause thoracic herniated discs, rather than age alone. Pain symptoms are usually reported in the chest and abdomen.

Treatment for Herniated Discs

A combination of treatment options can be used through at least the first six weeks of pain and discomfort:

• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Ice and heat therapy for pain relief
• Medications including ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors
• Narcotic pain medications
• Oral steroids
• Epidural injections

Surgery is also a widely-used treatment option for a herniated disc, including an operation that surgically removes the entire damaged disc. However, surgery carries with it inherent risks, and its long-term effectiveness is becoming more widely questioned. Instead, many patients are turning to chiropractic care and experiencing huge relief.

Options include chiropractic care as well as non-surgical spinal decompression tables. Surgery should be a last resort when no other treatments have been effective.

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs

Chiropractic care thoroughly assesses your medical history while factoring in the results of a physical exam, orthopaedic, and neurological tests. Everything from your posture to reflexes are thoroughly considered.

Chiropractic care is always focused on you as an individual, and your body as a whole. Even if, for example, you only have lower back pain, chiropractic care assesses your entire spine for overall functioning. What happens in one area of your spine can have a huge impact on other parts of your spine and body.

A common and powerful chiropractic treatment for a herniated disc is known as spinal manipulation, or adjustment, which applies gentle pressure to the affected areas. Many patients report experiencing instant pain relief.  Then, your ongoing individual treatment plan is customized to your pain levels, activity, overall health, and more. 

You shouldn’t have to struggle with pain that interferes with your enjoyment of daily life – especially when relief can be simple and long-lasting. Make an appointment online or call our team at (626) 469-7478 so our team can collaborate on helping you feel better right away.

Information in this article is not a substitute for medical advice.