Chronic back and neck pain is very common among Americans and is often the result of the natural aging process, an underlying spinal condition or a cumulative trauma disorder.
One of the most common causes of back and neck pain is spinal disc herniation, also known as a slipped disc. At Dynamic Health, our highly skilled spine specialists are trained to identify spinal herniation and provide pain treatment options patients experiencing pain and discomfort from slipped discs.
What is a slipped disc? Your spine is composed of 26 individual bones known as vertebrae—each of which are separated by soft, fluid-filled intervertebral discs. These discs function as shock absorbers and help cushion the bones of your spine as you twist or bend. Unfortunately, these discs can slip out of alignment, tear, or rupture, allowing the inner gel to leak into the surrounding tissue.
Spinal disc herniation is a medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, central portion to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings.
Causes and risk factors: While most slipped or torn discs are due to the natural aging process known as disc degeneration, additional risk factors can lead to a slipped disc, including improper lifting techniques, being overweight, performing repetitive actions that put unnecessary stress on your spine, smoking and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
In addition, men between the ages of 30 and 50 are more likely to suffer from a slipped disc than women or younger men.
Signs and symptoms: In addition to back and neck pain, slipped discs may cause a number of symptoms including numbness of the legs or feet, weakness of the extremities, sciatica and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Diagnosis: Our spine doctors use a variety of diagnostic methods to identify the presence of a slipped disc. This includes digital x-rays, ultrasound and vertebral segmental compliance analysis.
Treatment options: There are a number of treatment options available for individuals suffering from a slipped disc. The most common treatment methods include spinal decompression therapy, weighted and un-weighted rehabilitation, flexion and extension therapy, pain management injections, acupuncture and electrotherapy.
For more information about slipped discs, as well as pain management treatments for back and neck pain, contact Dynamic Health at 704-525-6288 and schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists.