Disc Injury in Alexandria?
Are you living with a slipped disc or another disc injury in Alexandria? If you have a suspicion that your chronic back pain is being caused by a disc injury, or you have received a diagnosis that confirms you are dealing with this kind of issue, you will probably benefit from the best chiropractic care in Alexandria you can find.
Whether the pain is mild or severe, it is important to deal with it promptly so that the issue does not progress an cause more permanent damage. The following article discusses some of the symptoms of disc injuries with the aim of helping you to understand what you are dealing with. It also goes over how chiropractic care may give you immediate relief from the pain and discomfort associated with a disc injury, as well as possible long-term recovery.
Herniated Disc FAQs in Alexandria
A herniated disc refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae or bones of the spine where the spongy disc that cushions the vertebrae is squeezed out of place through a crack or gap in the bone. It is possible to damage a disc without even knowing it, but many times this condition is a result of an auto accident, slip, and fall, work injury, other traumatic events. In order to diagnose a herniated disc, the doctor will use a combination of x-ray, MRI, CT Scan, and physical examination where she will measure your strength, reflexes, and reactions to pain.
Traditional treatments include over-the-counter pain medications, narcotics, muscle relaxers, nerve pain medications, or even surgery in severe cases. Dr. Wubante offers a non-invasive alternative through her comprehensive chiropractic care. Through gentle spinal manipulation, the affected areas are put back in place to relieve pressure on the jelly-like discs, offering relief without medication. In conjunction with massage therapy, electrical stimulation, and mild exercises, it is sometimes possible to achieve total relief from a herniated disc without taking a single prescription drug.
Your best option is to contact Dr. Wubante immediately for a thorough consultation and to begin treatment. Not only will she evaluate your condition, but she will also be able to offer a plan for restoring your spine's function leaving you pain-free. In the meantime, be sure you are using good posture when performing repetitive tasks and allow yourself 10-minute breaks while working at a computer or workstation to move, stretch, and change positions. Alternating ice and heat on your affected areas will also provide relief from any pain associated with a herniated disc.
Disc Injury Treatment
The little pads that lie between your vertebrae are called the intervertebral discs. Each of these discs has a tough outer ring and a soft gel-like center. Your disc's job is to both join and to separate your vertebrae from one another. These discs act as cushions, or shock absorbers, so that the bones don’t make contact with each other as you move around, carry large objects, and bend over. Without the discs, you would literally be unable to move your upper torso. Here are a few of the different kinds of disc injuries that make movements of the upper torso painful and difficult:
- A protruding disc occurs when the disc becomes asymmetrical and the gel is pushed out or bulging.
- A herniated disc is when the disc material has ruptured to the point that the gel pushes outward.
- A disc extrusion is the worst type of disc injury. This is when the gel balloons extensively into the area outside the vertebrae or breaks off from the disc.
Signs and Symptoms of a Disc Injury
All of the above issues tend to result in considerable back pain, numbness, and limitation in range of motion due to the irritation of the nerve roots at the point where the injury occurs and the impact this has on the surrounding tissues. A number of distressing symptoms can arise from this nerve irritation and damage, including but not limited to:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Weak legs or feet
- Leg and foot pain, numbness and tingling (also known as sciatica)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Chiropractic Care for Disc Injury
Chiropractic care in Alexandria for disc injuries has a proven track record of providing both short-term pain relief and long-term recovery. Chiropractic treatment involves a thorough assessment of your medical history and x-rays, as well as a physical examination in order to determine the extent of the disc injury and the appropriate treatment.
The approach that is taken will be individually tailored to your specific issue and will always include gentle adjustments to the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and deal with the pain and discomfort. If you have a disc injury, call our team at Painfree Chiropractic & Rehab today to receive a consultation and start on the path to recovery.
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Saturday
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Painfree Chiropractic & Rehab
6121 Lincolnia Road #100
Alexandria, VA 22312