Disc Injuries

Spinal discs are tough, cartilaginous cushions located between the vertebrae in the spine. They act as shock absorbers and help relieve compression by cushioning the vertebrae when your spine moves.  When discs are injured, bulging, or herniated, you may experience a range of symptoms that can become debilitating when left untreated. At Dr. Gary Martin, Irvine Chiropractor in Irvine, CA, we provide treatment for the relief of low back pain due to disc injuries using chiropractic and other safe, non-invasive, and highly effective holistic treatments.

Types of Disc Injuries

There are various spinal disc injuries that can occur due to a fall, car accident sports injury, or even when performing physical tasks at home. Some of these injuries include:

• Bulging Disc: A bulging disc occurs when the disc extends outward from its normal position, but the outer layers known as the annulus fibrosus remains intact. This bulging disc can put pressure on nearby nerves causing discomfort and pain.
• Herniated Discs: A herniated disc happens when the inner gel-like core of the disc pushes through a tear in the outer annulus layers of the disc. This process can also irritate the surrounding nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs.
• Disc Prolapse: Although less common, a disc prolapse occurs when the inner gel of the spinal disc starts to exude outside the disc and puts pressure on and irritates the surrounding spinal nerves.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition where spinal discs deteriorate and become thinner.  This is often due to excessive wear and tear on the body and spine over a long time. This degeneration of the discs reduces their ability to cushion the spine, which can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Disc Rupture: A disc rupture is a severe form of herniation where the disc material breaks open and presses directly on the surrounding spinal structures and nerves. As a result, many people experience lower back pain and intense pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs and/or feet.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care can be highly beneficial for managing disc injuries. Our chiropractor uses spinal adjustments to improve alignment and reduce pressure on affected discs, which can alleviate pain and enhance mobility. Additionally, class IV laser therapy and massage therapy help the healing process tremendously.  Chiropractic care often includes instruction on stretching programs, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle recommendations to support recovery and strengthen the spine.

Contact Us for an Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing lower back pain or upper back pain due to a disc injury, our team at Dr. Gary Martin, Irvine Chiropractor in Irvine, CA, can help. After an evaluation, we will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. To learn about our treatments and to schedule a consultation, call our office at (949) 559-7999 today. When you need a chiropractor near you, we are happy to help!