Herniated discs are a common ailment affecting up to one-third of adults in the US today. Interestingly, most of the individuals suffering from a herniated disc had no prior back pain issues prior to the herniation. The first reaction of those who are suffering from the pain of a herniated disc may be to reach for medication for pain relief. Although medication may alleviate the pain rather quickly, the pain usually returns once the medication wears off. Since medication masks the symptoms rather than getting to the root cause of the pain, it’s not the best solution for lasting pain relief. Chiropractic care with Dr. Cary Gentry offers a safe and natural approach to the extreme pain caused by a herniated disc.

What Causes Herniated Discs?

The most common cause of a herniated disc is the normal aging process. Wear and tear on the spinal discs make them more prone to injury. Herniated discs can also occur due to accidents such as a fall, bending or lifting improperly, being involved in an auto accident, or due to a sports injuries. No matter the cause, chiropractic care with your Bozeman chiropractor has proven to be one of the most effective ways of alleviating the pain of a herniated disc.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Oftentimes people with herniated discs remain asymptomatic and may not be aware they even have a herniated disc until it starts pressing on a nerve and causing pain. The symptoms of a herniated disc include some or all of the following:

• Tenderness of the spine
• Back or neck pain (depending on the location of the herniated disc)
• Stiffness 
• Pain in the leg and foot
• Numbness or tingling along upper leg
• Muscle weakness
• Recurring muscle spasms 
• Burning in the shoulder neck and arm

How Chiropractic can Relieve Pain from a Herniated Disc 

The main focus of chiropractic care is the spine and the impact the spine has on the health of the rest of the body. By careful examination of the spine, Dr. Cary Gentry will locate any misalignments and disc problems that are contributing to your pain. He will then gently adjust the spine and correct those misalignments. This will reduce pressure on the nerves and ensure the discs are in proper alignment, minimizing pain and maximizing function. 

Studies Prove Chiropractic Works for Herniated Disc Pain Relief

Studies have shown chiropractic care to be an effective and lasting solution for pain relief associated with herniated and bulging discs. One case study involved a group of individuals who saw a chiropractor regularly as an alternative to surgery or spinal blocks. After five weeks of regular chiropractic care, the pain levels improved so much that surgery was no longer recommended. In addition, another research trial proved the effectiveness of chiropractic care for bulging discs. Three out of four of those trials showed chiropractic care to be an effective method for reducing pain.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the pain of a herniated disc, contact Bozeman chiropractor Dr. Cary Gentry, at Waypoint Chiropractic today. Chiropractic care may be the solution you’ve been looking for to resolve your herniated disc pain once and for all.  

‍

Sources

Murphy, J., Morrison, T., Floyd, R., Alcantara, J. “Improvement in a Patient with Disc Protrusion and Extruded Fragment Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Selective Review of the Literature.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2015 Nov: 178-183. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/04/improvement-in-a-patient-with-disc-protrusion-and-extruded-fragment-following-subluxation-based-chiropractic-care-a-case-study-selective-review-of-the-literature/.

Snelling, N. “Spinal Manipulation in Patients with Disc herniation: A Critical Review of Risk and Benefit.” International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2006 Sept; 9(3): 77-84. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746068906000964

‍