Roanoke, TX Back Injury: Treating a Bulging Disc with Chiropractic Care

Are you experiencing lower back pain? Discomfort between the shoulder blades? What about sciatic pain? If so, you could be suffering from a bulging disc. This condition is characterized by the protrusion or displacement of a vertebral disc, which places excessive pressure on surrounding nerves. Oftentimes, this condition is the result of injury or trauma. Fortunately, patients suffering from symptoms of a slipped, herniated, or bulging disc can find relief through noninvasive, compassionate care at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture. If you have a Roanoke, TX back injury, read on for more information.

What Causes a Slipped, Bulging, or Herniated Disc?

Oftentimes, a bulging disc is caused by a traumatic event, such as a car accident or sporting injury. However, this condition can also develop from consistently poor posture or from being overweight. In many cases, a herniated disc begins as a small issue, then progresses as painful symptoms become more apparent.

Symptoms of a Bulging Disc

A slipped disc alone does not cause pain. It is only when the displaced vertebral disc begins to press on the backbone or the associated nerves that uncomfortable symptoms occur. When this happens, you may start to notice:

• Numbness or tingling: It is not uncommon to experience a “pricking” or numb sensation in the affected area.
• Muscle fatigue: When nerves become damaged, it can cause the associated muscles to weaken. As a result, you may not be able to lift or hold objects as you once did. This condition can also cause you to stumble as you walk.
• Pain in the extremities: When a slipped disc is in the neck, you are likely to experience pain in the arms, shoulders, and neck. If the herniated disc is in the back, symptoms often occur in the buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet.

Diagnosing a Bulging Disc

To diagnose a slipped disc, Dr. Cody Doyle will first review your medical history in detail. During this interview, he will ask you about any previous injuries, surgeries, and health problems, as well as your current symptoms. Next, he will perform a thorough assessment of your spine, reflexes, and muscle strength, and will determine how each of these elements is affecting your overall health. Typically, medical imaging will be used to confirm the diagnosis, using a CT scan or MRI.

Chiropractic Treatments for a Bulging Disc

There are several treatments that can be used to alleviate the painful symptoms of a herniated disc. Some of the most common methods include:

• Flexion-distraction technique: Using a specialized table, Dr. Doyle can gently stretch the spine. This effectively isolates the affected area while flexing the spine simultaneously. This can reposition the disc, moving it further away from the inflamed nerves.
• Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA): Occasionally, Dr. Doyle may recommend chiropractic adjustments while you are in a twilight sleep state. This helps your back muscles relax completely as he gently stretches and manipulates the spine.
• Pelvic blocking techniques: In some cases, cushioned wedges may be placed underneath the pelvis on both sides. Physical therapy exercises may also be used in conjunction with these cushions to bring the slipped disc away from the inflamed nerve root.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment

While herniated discs are sometimes treated by a neurosurgeon, many patients prefer to seek chiropractic care first, as it can offer several advantages. For example, a chiropractic approach:

• Is noninvasive
• Does not require controlled substances, such as pills or injections
• Is performed by a trained and licensed specialist
• Is holistic

Seek Treatment for Your Roanoke, TX Back Injury

Are you suffering from a Roanoke, TX back injury or related back pain? If so, a herniated disc could be the culprit. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, call us at 817-767-5430 or contact us online anytime.