A herniated disc probably isn’t your first thought when you feel pain in your arms and legs or have trouble using them because of muscle weakness. However, these are common symptoms of herniated discs. At 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in the Theater District of Manhattan, the team evaluates your symptoms and can find out if a herniated disc is the source. To explore your treatment options for a herniated disc, call the New York City office or book an appointment online today.
The stacked bones in your back that protect your spinal cord are called vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a rubbery sac called a disc. The discs cushion your vertebrae, act as shock absorbers for your spine, and allow you to bend and twist your back comfortably.
Each disc has a jelly-like center called a nucleus, and a rubbery outer layer called an annulus. Herniated discs happen when the annulus ruptures, and part of the nucleus slips into your spinal canal. The nucleus can place pressure on nerves in your spine and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
Herniated discs happen when the discs in your neck or back degenerate and become weaker over time. They can rupture without warning if you move or twist your back or neck. In rare cases, a herniated disc can happen upon impact after a fall or a traumatic injury.
Herniated discs can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in various parts of your body. The area you feel pain corresponds to the nerve that the herniated disc compresses.
Because herniated discs usually occur in your neck (cervical spine) or your lower back (lumbar spine), extremity pain is common from herniated discs.
Possible signs and symptoms indicating a herniated disc are:
Sciatica is a condition that commonly arises from a herniated disc. If the herniated disc compresses your sciatic nerve, you might feel radiating pain through your buttock and down your leg.
Some herniated discs don’t cause any symptoms at all. If this is the case, you might never know you had a herniated disc unless it shows up on imaging.
At 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, the team treats herniated discs conservatively. They ask you to describe your symptoms and might perform tests to find the location of the herniated disc. Your treatment might involve:
Using chiropractic methods, the team at 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation realigns your spine to restore balance throughout your body. This can ease the symptoms of a herniated disc at any part of your spine.
Using a traction table or other equipment, the team can stretch your spine to relieve pressure caused by a herniated disc. A 30-45 minute session can restore your mobility and ease your pain with long-term results.
Massages are more than just a way to relax. The team at 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation might recommend a focused rehabilitative massage to ease the symptoms of a herniated disc.
If a herniated disc affects your mobility, physical therapy can help you strengthen the affected muscles and keep them mobile.
During acupuncture, your provider places fine needles in your skin along energy lines. This can help restore balance in your body and alleviate pain or numbness from a herniated disc.
For expert non-surgical herniated disc treatments, call 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation or book your evaluation online today.