Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc is a relatively common condition that occurs along your backbone when one of the rubbery cushions, known as discs, between the individual bones that make up your spine moves out of position and presses on adjacent nerves. If you suffer from pain, numbness or weakness in one of your arms or legs due to a herniated disc, Drs. Leo and Courtney Meltvedt at Chiropractic Life Center in Encinitas, California, offer a number of noninvasive treatment options.

Call (760) 783-0105 to make an appointment today.

 

Herniated Disc Q&A

What is a herniated disc?

Your spine has bones with soft discs in between that act as cushions. These discs also keep the bones of your spine in place and allow your backbone to move so you can bend and stretch.

Overuse injuries, trauma, and age cause these discs to break down and sometimes rupture. When that happens, the soft, jelly-like center pushes out and against either a nerve or your spinal cord, causing pain.

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower part of your backbone and your neck.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

The doctors at Chiropractic Life Center review your medical history and perform a physical exam, during which either Dr. Leo or Courtney Meltvedt checks your back for tenderness by having you lie flat and move your legs in specific positions. To further assess your condition, they also check your:
• Reflexes
• Muscle strength
• Walking ability
• Ability to feel light touches, pinpricks, or vibrations
Additionally, motion X-rays enable Dr. Leo or Courtney Meltvedt to assess the stability of your cervical or lumbar spine and detect unusual motion between your vertebrae.

How is a herniated disc treated?

Once diagnosed with a herniated disc, the team at Chiropractic Life Center offer a number of treatment options, including:

Chiropractic Adjustments
The doctors use a variety of specific adjustive techniques and will tailor-make an adjustment for you depending on your needs and your preference.

Invertrac®
Invertrac is a bent-knee inversion table that offers instant relief from the pain associated with a herniated disc by releasing the nerve and returning it to its normal position.

Ball exercises
Ball exercises strengthen and develop your core body muscles to help stabilize your spine by adding instability into floor exercises. Your body automatically tries to keep you balanced on the ball and over time, the muscles you use to keep your balance on the exercise ball become stronger.
Wobble seats
Wobble seats enable neuromuscular re-education (NMR) by:
• Preparing your spine for further rehabilitation and strengthening
• Rehydrating the herniated disc
• Increases the pressure and flow of your cerebral spinal fluids

Neck wall traction
Neck wall traction helps relieve the pain associated with herniated discs in the neck by widening the disc spaces.

Denneroll
Denneroll is a pillow-like orthotic device that provides a gentle stretch to coax your spine and neck back into its ideal curvature.

Stabilization techniques
Stabilization techniques strengthen the muscles that support your spine to prevent lower back pain.

Spinal molding fulcrums
Spinal molding fulcrums are specifically designed foam wedges that Dr. Leo and Courtney Meltvedt use as part of their posture correction and curve rehabilitation programs.

 

To get compassionate care for your herniated disc, call (760) 783-0105 to make an appointment today.