Herniated Disc Specialist

What is a herniated disc?

Protecting your spinal vertebrae is the primary job of the rubber discs that sit between the bones. These durable discs have a tough outer layer and a soft center, absorbing the shock of your movements and preventing your vertebrae from rubbing together.

As you get older or due to an injury in your spine, your spinal discs can break down and force the soft center of the disc outward through the outer layer. The gel-like material can also put pressure on surrounding spinal nerves, causing chronic pain and reducing your range of motion.

While you can develop a herniated disc in any area of your spine, damaged discs are more common in your lumbar spine (lower back) and your cervical spine (neck).

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on where the damaged disc sits and how much pressure is placed on your nerves. For some with a herniated disc, no symptoms are noticeable. However, many with a herniated disc experience pain that becomes severe enough to be disabling.

Other symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Burning
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Shock-like jolts of pain

You may also have pain that radiates into your arms or legs.

What treatments are available for a herniated disc?

In many cases, a herniated disc is treatable with nonsurgical treatments such as chiropractic care and services with certification in physiotherapy.

Dr. Mann creates a treatment plan that focuses on relieving pain and improving your overall function. In addition to manual and instrument-assisted manipulations, Dr. Mann offers in-office spinal decompression therapy. This type of treatment involves stretching the spine on a special table to reduce the pressure a damaged disc puts on your nerves.

Additionally, Dr. Mann may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to keep you pain-free. Massage therapy is also available onsite to increase blood circulation and alleviate tension in your muscles that worsens back pain.

Find out more about nonsurgical treatments available for herniated disc pain by calling the Reform Ortho & Sports Rehab office or by requesting an appointment through the online booking system.