What To Do For a Slipped Disc In The Lower Back?

A slipped disc mainly occurs in the lower back. Discs can break down and stop providing support. Dr Brian Nantais talks about the treatments of slipped discs.

What is a slipped disk?

The spinal column contains a chain of bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are assembled upon each other. These bones are shielded by discs which absorb the shock caused by daily activities like walking.

Sometimes due to injury, the inner gelatinous part of the disc extends to the tough outer portion. This results in a slipped disc. At Elevation Health, patients reporting slipped disc have been offered the best treatment by our Nantais family Chiropractic experts.

What causes a slipped disc?

According to Dr Brian Nantais, there are 2 common causes of slipped discs. These are natural degeneration and trauma to the disc.

●       Natural degeneration generally occurs due to advancing age. It happens because the nucleus pulposus of the disc becomes less hydrated.

●       Trauma to the disc occurs due to injuries like a whiplash injury or during lifting heavy weights.

●       Slipped discs can also occur due to excessive body weight. This is because the discs need to support extra weight, which makes them weak.

●       Less physical movements and weak muscles can also cause slipped disc.

It is found that more men experience slipped discs rather than women.

What are the symptoms of slipped discs?

Nantais family chiropractic experts at Elevation Health have treated many patients with the symptoms of slipped disc. Slipped discs can be diagnosed by imaging tests. These imaging tests include X rays, MRIs, CT scans or discograms. They discuss the symptoms that may be an indication of slipped discs.

●       Slipped discs in the lower part of the body can give rise to sciatica. Sciatica is a pain in the lower area of your back. It can also extend to one of the legs. It happens on one side of the body at a time.

●       A feeling of numbness in the leg or foot is often accompanied by a slipped disc. You may also feel a tingling or burning sensation in the leg.

●       Slipped discs often bring about a weakness in the lower part of the body.

●       In rare cases, loss of bladder control and bowel control can also take place. This can happen because the spinal nerve roots are compressed.

How to treat a slipped disc?

Dr Brian Nantais provides the best chiropractic treatment for slipped disc patients at Elevation Health. Here are a few ways to get treatment for your slipped disc.

●       Take sufficient rest. You need to relieve yourself of the pressure for at least a few days. This will give you time to get better.

●       Avoid exercises that give you too much stress. During this time, you should strictly avoid exercises that hurt your back. These may include bending exercises or lifting heavy weights.

●       When your lower back pains due to a slipped disc, wrap a warm and wet towel around the area. You can also use ice packs if it relieves you of the pain.

●       Talk to your doctor if you can take some medications for a few days. Make sure you don’t overuse them. Don’t use medications without a doctor’s advice.

●       Take physical therapies that strengthen your muscles. You can also seek chiropractic treatment at Elevation Health. Aerobic exercises, ultrasound therapies and stretching can make you feel better.

You should consider surgery when the pain goes out of hand and you lose bladder control. Visit Dr Brian Nantais for the best advice and treatments.