Research published by the National Institutes of Health has found that between 5 and 20 people per 1000 adults suffer a herniated disc annually(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...). Those between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to suffer from this condition. Men are more likely to suffer herniated discs than women, although everyone needs to keep an eye out. If you believe you’re suffering from a herniated disc or other back problems, and you live in or near Troy, MI, contact Dr. James Hunter. He may be able to provide lasting pain relief.
A Quick Look at Herniated Discs
Your spine acts as the foundation for your entire body. A healthy spine is crucial for your nervous system and sending messages to various parts of your body. A healthy spine is quite flexible, and discs play a crucial role in this flexibility. Essentially, discs are made from cartilage and a jelly-like solution in the interior. Discs act like shock absorbers and play a crucial role in making your spine flexible.
If the nucleus of your disc starts to bulge, you could suffer from a herniated disc. This painful condition could limit your mobility, cause chronic back pain, and otherwise lower your quality of life. As you age, your spine can become more prone to becoming herniated owing to dehydrating tissues and wear and tear. Trauma, such as suffering a car accident, can also cause herniated discs.
If you think you’re suffering from a herniated disc and live around Troy, MI, contact Dr. Hunter to explore treatment options, including chiropractic care.
How Herniated Discs are Treated
In some cases, herniated discs may need to be treated through surgery. However, surgery is invasive and the recovery time can be extensive. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also help but medications have side effects and may not address the underlying injury. Another option is to work with a chiropractor to use hands-on treatment to ensure optimal spine health.
A chiropractor can ensure that your spine is properly aligned. This can reduce the risk of herniating your discs and can also relieve other issues, like muscle tension in your back and neck. A chiropractor can use chiropractic adjustments, or spinal manipulation as it’s sometimes called, to gently ensure that your spine is in optimal alignment.
Spinal decompression can further help with strained muscles. A chiropractor can also teach you how to perform various exercises to increase strength and reduce the risk of suffering a herniated disc in the first place. Hot/cold treatment and other forms of care may also help.
If you live in or near Troy, MI, and need herniated disc treatment, call 248-509-7628 to reach Dr. Hunter. He can help with many different back and spine issues.