Herniated discs are a common occurrence, but they are not something anyone wants to live with. The pain and various symptoms can wreak havoc throughout the body, causing chronic suffering. Below, our team at Bakke Chiropractic Clinic in Tacoma explains more about herniated discs and how chiropractic care can provide relief.
Causes and Risk Factors of Herniated Discs
While aging and sudden accidents are common causes of herniated discs, daily life is often a more frequent culprit. Chronic habits, such as poor posture, or repetitive actions, such as constantly lifting and twisting at work, often play a role. Additionally, the following factors can put you at a higher risk:
- Wearing high heels or non-supportive shoes
- Being overweight or obese
- Not being active enough
- Not drinking enough liquid to replenish the body
- Smoking
Differences Between Bulging Discs and Herniated Discs
Bulging discs and herniated discs are often thought to be the same thing or are mistaken for each other. While both occur due to excess pressure on the discs, a bulging disc flattens and bulges out the sides of the spine intact. A herniated disc is one that has torn. It is possible for a bulging disc to rupture eventually.
Another difference is the symptoms. Most people don’t notice any obvious symptoms with a bulging disc because it is simply bulging to the sides. A herniated disc, on the other hand, typically causes symptoms that can’t be ignored as the filling spills out and onto a muscle or nerve.
Understanding Spinal Decompression for Herniated Discs
When you visit a chiropractor near you for back pain caused by a herniated disc, you’ll receive a personalized combination of back pain treatment techniques. Spinal decompression therapy is a highly effective and commonly used method. This is a technique in which the patient lies on a specialized table while the spine is gently stretched. The stretching motion creates several effects:
- Space is created in the spinal column.
- Pressure is relieved from the discs and nerves.
- Negative pressure pulls the disc and its filling back into place.
- That same negative pressure pulls in healing nutrients, which help the discs heal.
Visit Our Chiropractors in Tacoma, WA
Herniated discs don’t have to keep you down and away from what you love. Let our team at Bakke Chiropractic Clinic help restore your spinal health. Call us at (253) 472-3365 to schedule an appointment today.