Herniated Disc Treatment at Your Everett Chiropractor

Herniated discs are a common cause of spine-related pain, especially pain in the lower back (the lumbar spine) and the upper back and neck (the cervical spine), the two areas of the spine that are most flexible. As a top Everett chiropractor, Dr. Lichfield can help you relieve your painful symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life with holistic herniated disc treatment tailored to your needs.

What is a herniated disc?

In between each pair of bones in your spine is a spongy structure called a disc, which acts as a shock absorber to keep your spine healthy and flexible. Sometimes, one or more discs can shift out of its normal position and extend beyond the edges of the bones on either side. This is called a herniated disc (sometimes called a bulging disc or slipped disc), and it’s a common cause of nerve irritation and inflammation.

What causes a herniated disc?

Herniated discs occur when strains on the spine and the surrounding muscles cause the vertebrae and discs to move out of their normally aligned positions. Common causes of herniated discs include:

  • car accidents
  • slip-and-fall accidents
  • sports injuries
  • repetitive activities like bending and lifting
  • carrying heavy objects, especially when a load is not properly balanced
  • strain and overuse injuries
  • chronically bad posture or poor workplace ergonomics

People who are overweight are also more likely to experience herniated discs as a result of the added strain from supporting the extra pounds. Leading a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk of developing a herniated disc, and the condition also becomes more common with age.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Because they irritate nerves, herniated discs can cause widespread symptoms that extend beyond your neck or back. Some of the most common symptoms associated with herniated discs include:

  • numbness, tingling, burning or “pins-and-needles” sensations extending into your arms or legs
  • muscle weakness in your arms or legs
  • shocklike bursts or pain down your arms or legs
  • pain that becomes worse when sitting or standing for long periods or when lying down

Usually, radiating symptoms affect just one side of your body, but in some cases, both sides may be affected. A herniated disc in the neck or upper back may cause chronic headaches or jaw pain as well.

Herniated Disc Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a review of your symptoms and your health history, followed by a hands-on exam to pinpoint the source of your symptoms. During the exam, Dr. Lichfield will look for areas of tenderness and nerve-related symptoms, and he may order imaging exams like X-rays or CT scans to obtain additional information that can help guide treatment.

Herniated Disc Treatment: Holistic Care From Your Everett Chiropractor

Dr. Lichfield has extensive experience in providing herniated disc treatment that’s focused on each patient’s unique needs, symptoms, and lifestyle. Most treatments begin with a spinal adjustment to realign the vertebrae and discs and eliminate nerve compression and irritation. Massage therapy and gentle therapeutic exercises are usually prescribed as well to aid in promoting natural healing by stimulating circulation and reducing inflammation in the area. Plus, Dr. Lichfield will provide you with lifestyle guidance to help improve habits that can lead to herniated disc symptoms in the future so you can enjoy long-lasting relief and better spinal health.

Schedule an appointment today.

Without medical care, herniated discs can cause long term disability as well as increasing pain in your back and throughout your body. Take the first step toward relieving your back and neck pain. Call Cornerstone Chiropractic at (425) 379-6301 and schedule an evaluation and consultation today.

Types of Chiropractic Adjustment
Depending on your diagnosis, there are seven primary types of adjustments a chiropractor can perform on you. These are:
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