Disc Issue Treatment in Crandall
Disc issues—including bulging, herniated, protruding, and compressed discs—often develop as part of the natural aging process. These problems typically begin to appear after age 30, when the inner jelly-like portion of your discs starts to dehydrate. Factors like genetics, physical labor, and previous injuries can accelerate this natural degeneration.
A degenerative disc is a process where the inner portion of the disc, which is jelly-like, becomes dehydrated over time as part of the aging process. It then deflates and compresses itself under the weight of gravity and the body, leading to wear and tear.
Recognizing Disc Issue Symptoms
How do you know if you’re dealing with a disc problem? Common symptoms include the following:
- Localized pain in the affected area
- Numbness or tingling that may radiate into the arms or legs
- Diminished range of motion
- Pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)
- In severe cases, muscle weakness or atrophy
Certain movements can trigger or worsen symptoms.
“Typically, when you arch and rotate your spine, that disc is put at its maximum capacity. So that’s usually when most disc injuries flare up,” explains Dr. Johnson.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
Dr. Johnson recommends trying chiropractic first for disc issues:
“Chiropractic is minimally invasive. It’s the most conservative treatment that you can go to for your spine.”
If there’s a disc problem in your neck or your lower back, we often use spinal decompression combined with the cold laser treatment. This approach gently creates space between the vertebrae, relieving pressure on discs and nerves.
Treatment Frequency and Duration
Most patients wonder how long treatment will take. According to Dr. Johnson, a typical trial of spinal decompression involves about 12 visits over a period of four to six weeks.
The exact treatment plan depends on several factors. Some disc herniations are small, perhaps only one millimeter, while others may be larger (e.g., 4-6 millimeters). The patient’s age, activity level, and compliance with the treatment plan also influence recovery time. If you have multiple disc issues, your treatment duration may increase proportionally to thoroughly address each affected area.
Put Your Disc Pain Behind You
Why put up with pain when relief and healing are available? Contact Johnson Chiropractic today to book an appointment with Dr. Johnson.
