If you have persistent and unexplained back pain, it could be a herniated disc. Living with that kind of pain can feel overwhelming because it affects every area of your life. The good news is that if it’s a herniated disc, there are effective treatments available and steps to help prevent it from happening again.
One Life Chiropractic in Katy, Texas, is here to help with innovative therapies. Our expert chiropractors Nathan D. Gomez DC, Guadalupe Lee, DC, and Brian Riggs, DC, offer fast and lasting relief using cutting-edge treatment to ease the pain.
If you’re dealing with unexplained back pain, read on to learn more about what causes herniated discs and what you can do to prevent them.
What is a herniated disc, and what causes it
A herniated disc is a common ailment affecting many people, especially as they age.
A herniated disc occurs when one of the rubbery cushions (or discs) between the vertebrae in your spine ruptures or slips out of place. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, which can be debilitating.
While the exact cause of a herniated disc is not fully understood, it’s thought that factors like aging, repetitive strain, and genetics may all play a role.
Symptoms of a herniated disc
Symptoms of a herniated disc can differ depending on the severity of your condition. These include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Sharp pain
- Shooting pain
- Weakness in muscles
- Difficulty standing or walking
While this may sound scary, it’s important to remember that many people with herniated discs experience significant relief through conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication.
Managing pain from a herniated disc
Dealing with a herniated disc can limit your daily activities. However, with the right lifestyle changes, you can manage the pain and reduce the overall impact on your life.
Some activities you’ll want to avoid include high-impact exercises, like running or jumping and sitting or standing in one position for too long. Instead, focus on low-impact exercises like yoga or swimming, and take frequent breaks throughout the day to stretch and walk around.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying adequately hydrated can all help ease the discomfort associated with a herniated disc. With diligence and patience, you can find relief from your pain and enjoy a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
Tips for preventing future episodes of back pain
Back pain is a common complaint that affects many people at some point in their lives. Although treatment options are available, preventing future episodes of back pain is essential to maintain a pain-free lifestyle.
Regular exercise, good posture, and stress-reducing techniques like yoga can help. It’s helpful to stretch before and after exercising and lift objects correctly to avoid straining your back muscles. With these tips in mind, you can reduce the likelihood of back pain and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.
Taking these preventive measures now will help keep a painful herniated disc from becoming a more severe issue. If you’re struggling with back pain from a herniated disc or have other chronic pain conditions, contact One Life Chiropractic today for an individualized plan to address your needs. Call us at 832-321-3452 or use our online booking form to make an appointment.
