SpineZone Treats Herniated Disks
The Problem: Scoliosis
Disks are the cushions between your vertebrae. They act as mini shock-absorbers in the spine. They have very little blood supply, which is why consistent exercise and body movement is key to keeping them healthy and preventing back pain.
What’s to Blame?
A herniated disk, or slipped disk… or ruptured disk, occurs when the soft jelly-like substance inside the disk pushes out through a tear in the rubbery outer lining. Most disk damage is caused by normal wear and tear and is gradual. As we age, our disks naturally deteriorate with use. This can speed up if you routinely lift with the back instead of with the legs, if you twist and turn while lifting, or if you drive for long periods of time.
How Does It Feel?
The lucky ones have no symptoms, but many people report pain in the buttocks, thighs, and/or calves, and numbness or weakness in an arm or a leg. Herniated disks usually occur in the lower back but can occur anywhere along the spine or even in the neck. Herniated neck disks often cause pain in the shoulder and arm. They usually only affect one side of the body and the pain has often been described as “sharp” or “burning”. In rare cases, complications can cause worsening symptoms, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and saddle anesthesia, a loss of sensation affecting the inner thighs, the back of the legs, and the area around the rectum.
How Will SpineZone Help Me Get Relief?
Herniated disks usually do repair/improve over time without requiring surgery. At SpineZone, our comprehensive healing approach is the perfect way to relieve pain from herniated disks. The highly-skilled physical therapy team at SpineZone, partnered with our stellar BeingWell practitioners, will have you on the road to recovery as soon as you schedule your evaluation. Quality orthopedic care has never been so convenient.
Are There Prevention Tips?
Back and neck pain from herniated disks can be extremely painful. Some tips for reduction and prevention are:
- Limit repetitive lifting, pushing, bending, twisting, and pulling.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Take frequent breaks when driving long distances. Being seated for a long period of time plus the vibration of the vehicle can put too much pressure on the spine.
- Quit smoking, or don’t start. Smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disks, causing quicker deterioration.