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Disc
Bulges / Herniation
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What
are Disc Bulges/Herniation
Between the vertebrae of your spine are 23 discs which act
as a spacer and shock absorber. These discs have soft, gel-like
centers surrounded by layers of fibrous tissues. Sometimes,
due to an injury or just aging, the material in the middle
of a disc pushes to one side or even ruptures. This is called
a bulging or herniated disc.
Where
Disc Bulges /Herniation Occur
Bulging or herniated discs can appear in the neck (cervical
spine), low back (lumbar spine) and middle and upper back
(thoracic spine).
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Herniated
disc and a healthy disc.
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| Symptoms
of Disc Bulges/Herniation |
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Pain
- the severity and location of the pain depend upon which disc
is herniated and how large the herniation is. |
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Pain may
spread over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh and into
the calf |
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Pain may
be in one or both legs |
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Numbness,
tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet |
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Bowel or
bladder changes |
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In severe
cases inability to find comfort even lying down |
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Inability
to fully straighten your neck or back |
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Numbness,
tingling, or weakness in one or both arms |
| The
following strategies may help you reduce your chance of having
a herniated disk: |
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Chiropractic
adjustments |
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Practice
good posture - standing and sitting straight, keeping your back
straight when lifting. |
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Maintain
a healthy weight. |
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Exercise
regularly |
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Ask your
chiropractor about exercises to strengthen your back and stomach.
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Don't
wear high-heeled shoes. |
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If you
sit, get out of your chair every 20 to 25 minutes and walk for
several minutes. |
Treatment
Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place
vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the nerve endings
that line the surface of the joint and course through the space
between the joints, reducing pain and improving flexibility and
function.
Find out if
chiropractic care can help you by calling us today 253-638-2424
or use the online appointment request.
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