Herniated Disc Treatment in Sewickley, PA

Understanding Herniated Discs and Your Treatment Options

A herniated disc can be a painful and frustrating condition that affects your ability to work, exercise, sleep, and enjoy everyday activities. While some herniated discs cause no symptoms at all, others can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

At Sewickley Chiropractic Center, Dr. Jared Yevins takes a personalized approach to patients experiencing symptoms associated with herniated discs. Our goal is to understand your condition, identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, and determine whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.

If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, or symptoms that travel into your arm or leg, schedule an appointment to discuss your condition and available treatment options.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT! 

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine is made up of individual bones called vertebrae. Between many of these vertebrae are flexible cushions called intervertebral discs. These discs help absorb shock and allow your spine to move comfortably.

Each disc has a tough outer layer and a softer, gel-like center. A herniated disc occurs when part of the inner material pushes through a weakened or damaged area of the outer portion of the disc.

A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine, but it most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine).

Not every herniated disc causes symptoms. However, when a disc affects or irritates a nearby nerve, it can lead to pain and other neurological symptoms.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs can develop for a variety of reasons. Common contributing factors include:

  • Age-related changes and normal wear and tear
  • Repetitive lifting or bending
  • Poor lifting mechanics
  • Sudden twisting movements
  • Sports injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls or other traumatic injuries
  • Prolonged sitting or poor posture
  • Repetitive physical activities

As we age, spinal discs can become less flexible and more susceptible to injury. In some cases, a disc herniation can occur after a specific injury. In others, symptoms may develop gradually.

What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Symptoms depend on the location of the affected disc and whether nearby nerves are irritated or compressed.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Pain that travels into the buttocks or leg
  • Pain that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty with certain movements
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, lifting, coughing, or sneezing

A herniated disc in the lower back may contribute to symptoms commonly referred to as sciatica, particularly when a nerve in the lower spine is irritated.

A herniated disc in the neck can cause symptoms that extend into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?

A thorough evaluation is important when determining the potential cause of back or neck pain.

At Sewickley Chiropractic Center, your evaluation may include a review of your health history, discussion of your symptoms, and a physical examination. Depending on your presentation, additional diagnostic imaging or referral to another healthcare provider may be appropriate.

Imaging such as an MRI may be used by a medical provider to evaluate the discs and surrounding structures when clinically indicated.

It is important to understand that imaging findings do not always correlate directly with symptoms. Some people have disc bulges or herniations without experiencing pain, while others may have significant symptoms despite relatively subtle imaging findings.

The goal is to consider your symptoms, examination findings, and overall clinical picture when determining an appropriate course of care.

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs

Treatment for a herniated disc depends on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and overall condition.

For appropriate patients, conservative care may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms.

Depending on your specific needs, your personalized care plan may include:

Chiropractic Care

Specific chiropractic techniques may be used to address spinal mobility and musculoskeletal dysfunction. The type of technique used can be adapted based on your condition, comfort level, and clinical findings.

Spinal Decompression

For certain patients with disc-related conditions, spinal decompression therapy may be considered as part of a conservative treatment approach.

Spinal decompression uses controlled forces to gently apply traction to the spine. Your candidacy for this type of treatment depends on your individual condition and clinical evaluation.

Learn more about our Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Appropriate exercises may help improve strength, mobility, flexibility, and overall function. Your recommended exercises will depend on your individual condition and goals.

Lifestyle and Ergonomic Recommendations

Daily habits can sometimes contribute to ongoing symptoms. Depending on your situation, we may discuss strategies related to posture, lifting mechanics, sitting, activity modification, and other factors that may affect your spine.

Can a Herniated Disc Heal Without Surgery?

Many people with symptomatic disc herniations improve with conservative care and time. The appropriate treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s symptoms.

Conservative treatment may include activity modification, physical rehabilitation, medication under the guidance of a medical provider, and other non-surgical approaches.

In some cases, more advanced medical treatment or surgery may be necessary. If your symptoms or examination findings indicate that you may need care outside the scope of chiropractic treatment, we can recommend appropriate medical evaluation or referral.

Our goal is to help you receive the appropriate care for your individual situation.

Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc

The terms herniated disc and bulging disc are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different types of disc changes.

A bulging disc generally refers to a disc that extends beyond its normal boundaries, often involving a broader portion of the disc.

A herniated disc typically involves a more focal displacement of the disc’s inner material through a weakened area of the outer disc.

Both conditions may or may not cause symptoms. The presence of a disc abnormality on imaging does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of a person’s pain.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for a Herniated Disc?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you are experiencing:

  • Persistent back or neck pain
  • Pain that travels into an arm or leg
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Difficulty moving comfortably
  • Symptoms that interfere with work or daily activities
  • Recurring episodes of back or neck pain

An evaluation can help determine whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While many cases of back and neck pain are not emergencies, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • New or worsening significant muscle weakness
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness in the groin or saddle area
  • Severe symptoms following a major injury
  • Other rapidly progressing neurological symptoms

These symptoms can indicate a serious medical condition that requires urgent evaluation.

Take the Next Step Toward Feeling Better

Living with back or neck pain can make even simple activities difficult. If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc or are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a disc problem, Sewickley Chiropractic Center can help you explore your options.

Dr. Jared Yevins will evaluate your condition and discuss whether chiropractic care or other conservative treatment options may be appropriate for you.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT HERE!

Call Sewickley Chiropractic Center today at 412-741-5451.

Serving patients in Sewickley, Moon Township, Coraopolis, Ambridge, Baden, and surrounding communities.