Does a Herniated Disc Cause My Back Pain?

herniated disc, upper cervical chiropractors

Back pains can result from a variety of other health problems. Some resulted from muscle strain after lifting a few items at work. Others got triggered by arthritis or osteoporosis. It can also result from a bulging or herniated disc.

Many upper cervical chiropractors have worked with many patients with back pains due to bulging or herniated discs. But what exactly is a herniated disc? What causes it? More importantly, how do you know if a ruptured vertebral disc is the reason behind your back pain?  

Join us in the discussion below as we explore back pain, its symptoms, its causes such as herniated disc, and natural relief methods you can seek. 

 

What are the symptoms of back pain? 

Besides the throbbing or sharp pain you may experience, you might also have other accompanying symptoms. Some examples of these include: 

  • Tensed, tingling, or weakened muscles 
  • Pain that gradually spreads down one leg
  • Limited flexibility of your back 

 

What does a herniated disc mean?

Let’s first take a closer look at a herniated disc. Essentially, if you have a bulging or ruptured disc, it means that the cushioning material found in between your vertebral bones has a tear. When this happens, the material inside the disc leaks out, causing your nerves to get irritated. Ultimately, it leads to muscle weakness and throbbing or stabbing pains in the affected area.

This condition could occur due to disc degeneration, a common problem among aging folks. As we age, the spine gradually wears outs, causing your discs to lose their water content. With lesser water, they become less flexible and prone to getting torn. It can also happen due to twisting or incorrect lifting of a load. 

If you have a ruptured disk, you will most likely experience symptoms such as muscle tingling, numbness, and weakness. If it occurred in your neck area, your shoulders, arms, and neck would exhibit the symptoms. In case it happens somewhere along the lower back, the sensation may only occur in your hips, buttocks, thigh, and toes. 

  

Back Pain and Ruptured Discs

Now that you know a bit about herniated discs, it would be easier to assess whether herniated discs cause your back pain or not. Check for the common symptoms we listed. Do you experience any of them? If you suspect having a ruptured disc, you can confirm it with your primary healthcare provider. 

herniated disc, upper cervical chiropractors

It’s important to note that the pain you experience occurs because of the irritated nerves and not the rupture disc. The disc itself usually does not experience pain. Also, herniated discs don’t require surgery. You could seek the assistance of upper cervical chiropractors to begin addressing your problem. 

Other Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can also be due to the following:

  • Obesity or overweight – Excess weight can put a lot of stress on your spinal column. As your body tries to support the entire structure, your back has to compensate, leaving it susceptible to pain. 
    • Normal aging process – Although back pain can occur at any age, it tends to affect aging folks. If you’re around 30 to 40 years old, you become more susceptible to back pain problems. 
  • Bad posture – Slouching or leaning forward too much could cause you immense back pain over time. This happens because your spinal column needs to adjust based on how you orient your body. 
  • Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of physical activity can contribute to the worsening of back pains. If you don’t have enough exercise, your core weakens, providing your back with lesser structural support and risking it to get more strained. 

 

When to Seek Help for Your Back Pain

Most of the time, back pain doesn’t require urgent medical assistance. Instead, you can use natural home remedies such as exercises and getting enough rest to experience relief. 

However, you might encounter instances when you may need the help of a doctor. A good example would be experiencing accompanying symptoms such as bladder or bowel problems. You should also consult with a  medical professional if your pain radiates below your knees.

Here are other examples of scenario which could indicate you need to call a doctor:

  • You notice unexplainable weight loss
  • You have a fever
  • The pain persists even after resting 
  • Your pain results from a fall or another type of injury

 

How Upper Cervical Chiropractors Can Help with Back Pain

Besides herniated discs, upper neck bone misalignment can also trigger back pain problems. Regardless of the degree of misalignment, you will surely notice a difference as it can impact the rest of your body. 

Upper cervical chiropractors focus on correcting such problems to alleviate the symptoms of back pain. By doing so, you can relieve the pressure on the rest of your back and begin your journey to restoring the body’s normal alignment.  

If you have herniated discs, gentle adjustments can also help you alleviate your symptoms. It removes unnecessary pressure on the affected area, allowing your body to heal gradually.  

If you want to try a whole new approach to managing your herniated disc back pain, you can speak with an upper cervical chiropractor near you. To locate one, browse through our directory and find out more about upper cervical chiropractic! If you find our website helpful, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.

Find An Upper Cervical Doctor in Your Areato schedule a consultation today.

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