How to Ease Back Pain Due to Herniated Discs
As back pain chiropractors in Morganville, NJ, we have helped a lot of patients complaining of back pain. Regardless of age and gender, anyone can suffer from back pain, and most people don’t think about their back pain other than being a simple inconvenience in life. However, back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and patients should not downplay it. Many people miss work or school because of back pain.
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When Should I See a Doctor for Back Pain?
If you’ve had back pain before, you might be familiar with the symptoms of the condition. According to back pain chiropractors in Morganville, NJ, backache can bring aching muscles, radiating pain down to the leg, limited range of motion and flexibility, and stabbing pain.
Generally, you don’t have to fear back pain because it usually resolves on its own within a week or two. However, if your back pain continues for more than that period, we suggest that you visit your doctor immediately since this could be an indicator of a more serious medical problem.
You should seek the help of a doctor if you experience one of the following:
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Severe pain even after rest
- Back pain following an accident or injury
- Pain that spreads down the legs, particularly below the knee
- Back pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss
- Back pain accompanied by a fever
- Weakness, numbness, or a tingling sensation on the legs
- If you are 50 years of age or older and have had no prior history of back pain
- History of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse
Back Pain Risk Factors
Researchers have yet to discover the cause of back pain in different age groups. However, some specific characteristics or lifestyles put people more at risk in having back pain:
Age
Back pain becomes more common as you reach the age 30-40 years old.
Lack of exercise
Unused muscles weaken and may cause back pain.
Obesity
The extra pounds carried by your body put more stress on your back.
Smoking
Since smoking negatively affects blood circulation, the body (including the discs in the back) does not get the proper nutrients it needs.
Psychological conditions
People with anxiety or depression are more prone to having back pain.
Improper lifting
Using an improper way of lifting heavy objects such as using your back instead of your legs can bring about back pain.
Disease
Disorders such as certain types of cancer and arthritis can cause back pain.
Explaining Back Pain Due to a Herniated Disc
Between the vertebrae in our spine are rubbery discs which are tough on the outside but soft on the inside. A herniated disc or ruptured disc results from the tearing of the tough exterior and leaking of the soft interior of the disc. This irritates the nerves, which in turn, causes pain, weakness, and numbness. Not all who have herniated discs experience pain, and this condition does not usually require surgery.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Even though herniated discs often occur in the lower back area, it can also happen in the neck area. You can recognize herniated discs by identifying the following common symptoms:
Arm or leg pain
The area where you feel pain depends on the location of the herniated disc. If a disc in your lower back is ruptured, you will most likely feel the pain on your buttocks, thigh, calf, and foot. On the other hand, if the ruptured disc is in your neck, you will most likely feel the pain in your arm or leg, especially when coughing or sneezing.
Numbness and tingling
You will feel numbness or a tingling sensation on the body part where the nerves near the herniated disc are connected.
Weakness
The muscled directly connected to the irritated nerves are affected and tend to weaken, thereby reducing your ability to hold or lift items.
Causes of Herniated Discs
As we age, our spinal discs degenerate and lose their water content, causing less flexibility and easy tearing. This causes herniated discs that bring back pain. Due to the fragile state of the spine, even a minor problem in twisting the back can cause the discs to rupture.
It is hard to identify the exact cause of herniated discs, but it is usually brought about by incorrectly done movements of the back, such as incorrect lifting, turning, and twisting. In some cases, a fall or back injury can cause the discs to herniate.
A Natural Cure for Back Pain
Several research studies have shown that one of the most common causes of back pain is the misalignment of the bones of the upper neck. Even the smallest misalignment can cause back pain and other health problems. A proven-effective cure for herniated discs is relieving the stress from your muscles and nerves, but to do this, the spine has to be in its best possible condition.
The vertebrae comprising our spine are much like lined-up dominoes: just the slightest bit of misalignment on one can cause a domino effect throughout the entire line. Therefore, ensuring the optimal condition of the top vertebrae of the neck (called the atlas and axis) is a way to ensure the health of the rest of the spine.
To do this, our back pain chiropractors in Morganville, NJ apply a gentle and precise method to guide the bones of the spine to realign naturally, instead of popping and cracking them. Unique and precise measurements are done for each patient to ensure long-lasting relief from back pain. Once these alignments are corrected, the muscles and nerves will naturally heal, and back pain will be relieved. You may visit us here at Upper Cervical of Monmouth in Morganville, New Jersey to begin your journey toward a life free from back pain.
To schedule a consultation with the Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth clinic, call 732-617-9355 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
