Herniated Discs
Treated by Southern Pain and Spine Specialists – serving Matthews, Charlotte, and the surrounding area
What Is A Herniated Disc
Between the vertebrae of your spine are soft discs. They let your spine twist and bend. They absorb shocks. But if damaged, the disc’s soft center can push through the disc wall. That’s a herniated disc. This bulge can put pressure on the nerves within your spine, causing discomfort and potential symptoms.
Your functional range of motion and mobility are both impacted by knee pain. It may be challenging to move about and engage in daily tasks. You must find relief from your knee pain. A physical examination is required to identify the cause of your issue. It might be advised to undergo additional testing, such as an MRI or x-ray.
Our board-certified physiatrist, Dr. Alamarie, offers knee pain treatment that can enhance your quality of life and get you back on your feet quickly.
Causes
A herniated disc can be caused by the normal wear and tear of aging. As you age, your spinal discs become less flexible and more prone to cracks and tears. Herniated discs are also caused by traumatic injury. And, they can also happen if you lift something heavy.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on how bad the herniation is and at what level of your spine it has happened. Most happen in the lumbar spine. This can cause pain, numbness, weakness and tingling. You may feel these in your buttocks, leg or foot. A herniation in your cervical spine can cause problems in your neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
Treatment
Treatment depends on your injury. You may benefit from rest, medications, injections and physical therapy. If these don’t help, you may need surgery. Your doctor will create a care plan that’s right for you.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Determining the Severity of the Herniated Disc
Accurate diagnosis is critical to developing an effective treatment plan. Our experienced team in Charlotte, NC, employs a range of diagnostic methods to assess the severity of herniated discs:
- Medical History: We begin by gathering a detailed medical history from our patients. This includes information about the onset and duration of symptoms, previous injuries, and any underlying medical conditions. Understanding your history helps us pinpoint the location and extent of the herniated disc.
- Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical examination follows, during which we evaluate your range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and any signs of nerve compression. This hands-on assessment allows us to identify the specific areas affected by the herniated disc.
- Imaging Studies: Advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are used to visualize the herniated disc and its impact on the spine. These images provide valuable insights into the extent of the herniation and its effects on nearby structures.
- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies: EMG and nerve conduction tests help assess nerve function and identify areas of compression. These tests pinpoint the location of nerve damage and guide treatment decisions.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options in Charlotte, NC
We prioritize non-surgical interventions to alleviate herniated disc symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory steroids directly to the affected area, providing temporary relief from pain and inflammation. They can help ease radiating leg pain caused by a herniated disc.
- Facet Joint Injections: In cases where facet joints contribute to pain, injections can reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Facet joints are small joints located between vertebrae in the spine.
- Medial Branch Blocks: These injections target the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints, offering pain relief and improved function.
- Occipital Nerve Blocks: For herniated discs in the cervical spine, occipital nerve blocks help manage pain and discomfort effectively, addressing symptoms like tingling and numbness.
Chiropractic Treatment for Herniated Discs
Chiropractic care is a valuable non-surgical treatment option for herniated discs, particularly in the lower back. Our skilled chiropractors in Charlotte, NC, employ a holistic approach to address the root causes of pain:
- Improved Spinal Alignment: Misalignments in the spine can exacerbate herniated disc symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine, reducing pressure on the affected disc and surrounding nerves.
- Pain Alleviation: Chiropractic care provides immediate relief from pain by addressing muscle spasms, inflammation, and nerve compression. This is especially beneficial for patients experiencing lower back pain.
- Enhanced Mobility: Restoring proper spinal function improves your range of motion and flexibility, reducing the discomfort associated with herniated discs.
- Facilitating Healing: Chiropractors stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, aiding in the repair of damaged disc tissue and addressing issues such as leg pain and numbness.
Schedule an appointment with us and get treatment in Charlotte and surrounding areas
Don’t ignore symptoms like numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, radiating pain, or pressure on your spine. These issues can stem from herniated discs, degeneration, or other disc problems.
Schedule an appointment with us today! Call 833-704-7246 to book your consultation with the best herniated disc doctors in Charlotte, NC. We offer chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy, epidural injections, and physical therapy to help you find relief from disc pain.