At Kosak Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we provide non-surgical treatment for disc herniation—also known as a herniated disc, slipped disc and ruptured disc—using a range of therapies and techniques to alleviate your pain and get you back to a full and active life.
Read about herniated disc (disc herniation of the spine) symptoms and our chiropractic & acupuncture treatment options at our Omaha clinic.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Discs made of tough, gelatinous tissue separate spinal vertebrae to prevent bones from grinding against each other. In addition to stabilizing the spine, these discs also facilitate spinal flexibility and absorb shock when you lift heavy items, run or jump.
Without healthy intervertebral discs supporting your spine, you could not bend, twist or otherwise use your spine without experiencing extreme pain and stiffness.
When intervertebral discs deteriorate due to age, overuse or injury (disc degeneration), the exterior of a disc may become weak and allow the gel-interior of the disc to bulge outward and press against spinal nerves. Unless treated by a herniated disc specialist, damaged discs often develop into herniated (slipped) discs, or discs that have split open and leaked fluid. This compromises the thickness of the disc and permits vertebrae to scrape against the vertebrae below or above it.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Since the majority of herniated discs occur in the lumbar (lower) region of the back, low back pain and stiffness are initial symptoms of a possible herniated disc. Other signs of a slipped disc include:
- Intense leg pain radiating into your calf, thigh and buttocks. In severe cases, herniated disc pain can travel to the foot. Sneezing or coughing may increase leg pain due to extra pressure placed on the herniated disc
- Numbness, tingling and burning sensations in body areas innervated by nerves compressed by a herniated disc
- Muscle weakness involving nerves impacted by slipped discs. Weakened back and leg muscles could make it hard to walk without feeling unstable or interfere with the ability to hold heavier items
Are You at Risk for Disc Degeneration and Herniated Discs?
Risk factors for needing a chiropractor to treat slipped discs due to disc degeneration are:
- Being male and over 30 (discs begin thinning and losing fluids as you age)
- Having a physically demanding job/improperly lifting heavier objects
- Repetitive pulling, twisting, bending and lifting heavy objects
- Being overweight
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking (reduces oxygen supplies to your disc tissues)
Be aware you do not have to fall under these risk factors to be diagnosed with a herniated disc. In some cases, a chiropractor may diagnose disc degeneration in active, younger nonsmokers due to an unknown genetic disorder or underlying condition contributing to disc herniation.
How Does Our Omaha Chiropractor Diagnose a Herniated Disc?
Chronic back pain that does not respond to traditional treatments should be evaluated by a chiropractor as soon as possible to help avoid rupture of a slipped disc. Magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs), CT scans and x-rays can detect herniated discs in the spine.
Our Omaha chiropractor, Dr. Kosak, knows that it is important to diagnose issues with discs early and to not let them persist. If you find yourself asking, "do I have a herniated disc?," then consider your risk factors and speak with your Chiropractor soon to determine your condition.
What Kinds of Chiropractic Treatments are Available for a Herniated Disc in Omaha?
Adjustments, acupuncture and adjunctive therapies from your Chiropractor in Omaha are all effective chiropractic techniques to relieve symptoms of a herniated disc.
Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to manually reestablish normal positioning of misaligned vertebrae. Realigning the spine removes pressure on herniated discs while also reducing nerve compression caused by bulging discs that compress nerves. Receiving regular adjustments further enhances disc health by promoting disc hydration and protecting the spine from progressive disc degeneration.
Contact Kosak Chiropractic and Acupuncture Today to Schedule an Appointment
In addition to providing a wide range of chiropractic techniques to treat a herniated disc, Dr. Kosak also offers pediatric care, chiropractic treatment for auto accident injuries and accepts workers compensation claims.
Dr. Kosak is known for his gentle applications of all chiropractic procedures to relieve neck pain, back pain chronic migraines, and more. Walk-ins are welcome! Call 402-964-0300 to learn more about herniated disc symptoms and treatment.