A common back issue that people will see a Mason City IA chiropractor for is a herniated disc. Chiropractic treatments at Align Health Chiropractic are a great way to deal with disc injuries, especially when a patient is proactive in seeking care. Chiropractic care for herniated discs helps patients avoid pain medication and its unwanted side effects.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the outer area of the discs in your spine tear. As a result, the inner disc will expand through the fibrous wall. Other names for herniated discs are ruptured discs or slipped discs. Typically, the herniated part of the disc will irritate the surrounding nerves.

Common Causes

Aging or wear and tear are the main culprits behind herniated discs. As you age, so do your discs. Loss of moisture reduces flexibility, resulting in low-stress tears and ruptures. The following are common causes of herniated discs: obesity, physical labor, incorrect form while lifting, and genetics.

Common Herniated Disc Symptoms

Although uncommon, herniated discs can bring on very intense pain. A herniated disc in the lower back can result in pain from the buttocks through the hips and legs. On the other hand, cervical vertebrae with a herniated disc can result in pain in the neck, shoulder, and arms. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness.

When to See a Mason City IA Chiropractor

After a herniated disc diagnosis from your doctor, your next step should be meeting with a Mason City IAchiropractor. Any of the symptoms above are treatable by a chiropractor who can create a specialized treatment plan for your needs. Communicating your symptoms clearly and early on can significantly reduce the amount of time needed for a diagnosis and treatment.

At Align Health Chiropractic our team is available to answer any questions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to begin experiencing relief!