Back pain caused by a herniated disc can be extremely uncomfortable and even debilitating if left untreated. Luckily, a skilled chiropractor like Stoiber Chiropractic in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, can provide a treatment plan to ease the pain and resolve your issues. Below, this expert team discusses one of the most common causes of back pain — a herniated disc — and the various forms of treatment available.

What to Know About Herniated Discs

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A “herniated disc” is typically explained as material leaking from a spinal disc. When this occurs, the material irritates or “pinches” a nerve nearby, thereby causing you pain around the area.

Since this pain generates from the nerve root, it can cause pain in other areas of the body as well, including down your leg or arm. When a pinched nerve causes pain to radiate from your lower back down to your leg, it is typically diagnosed as sciatica.

How Is a Herniated Disc Treated?

Herniated discs are treated using various methods. Initially, most physicians will advise avoiding positions that are painful and work with you on a medication plan that can help relieve symptoms quickly and effectively.

For mild to moderate back pain, over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen are generally strong enough. If pain persists, your doctor may prescribe a stronger narcotic, muscle relaxer or cortisone injection down the line.

Your doctor will also help you plan a fitness or therapy regimen to help ease herniated disc pain and get your life back on track. This will include positions and exercises that are low impact and also designed to target and minimize symptom pain.

In addition to exercise and medication, chiropractic treatment, professional massage, and acupuncture can be complementary treatments that help keep herniated disc pain under control. You can also discuss yoga with your doctor to see if adding the practice to your regimen will be beneficial.

For patients who suffer from a long-term herniated disc, resulting in difficulty with standing or walking or loss of bowel or bladder control, surgery can be a last resort. A procedure called a discectomy can be performed to restore your spine to its correct form and realign discs.

Whether you’re suffering from a herniated disc, whiplash, or a sports injury, Stoiber Chiropractic is committed to helping you take back control of your body. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with their friendly team, you can request one by calling their office at (715) 424-8000 or visiting them online.