Disc Injury
What is a disc injury?
A disc injury happens when one of the soft, cushion-like discs between the bones of your spine gets damaged. Discs can bulge, tear, or herniate when they wear down over time or from a sudden lift, twist, or fall. This can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain. People of any age can get a disc injury, but it is more common as we get older or if we have jobs that involve heavy lifting or long periods of sitting.
Common symptoms to watch for
The most common sign is pain in the neck or lower back that may spread into the arms or legs. You might also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area served by the affected nerve. Pain can get worse when you cough, sneeze, bend, or sit for a long time. Not everyone has all these symptoms; some people only have mild discomfort while others have more severe pain that limits daily activities.
How chiropractic care can help
A chiropractor will do a gentle exam to find the source of your pain and create a treatment plan just for you. Care may include spinal adjustments, gentle traction or decompression, soft tissue work, and exercises to strengthen and support your spine. Your chiropractor can also teach better posture and safe movement to reduce strain and help prevent future injuries. If you have severe weakness, sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, or very intense pain, seek emergency medical care right away—your chiropractor can work with medical doctors when needed to keep you safe.
