Chiropractic – Anne Arundel County, MD 
How often do you think about your spine and what you should do for it? If you’re like many people, the answer is: not very often. If you are like most people, your spinal health is probably not a thing you commonly consider. For many, as long as they can carry on daily, they assume everything is just fine. However, if you suffer from back pain, you likely consider your spinal health more often. Accident victims are at high risk of spinal issues, as are those who smoke cigarettes, are overweight, and who lift heavy objects regularly.
One of the spinal conditions for which patients routinely seek Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic is a herniated disc. This particular neck or back injury typically responds well to chiropractic treatment, so you would be well-advised to schedule an appointment in the early stages, before you’ve had to endure too much pain. Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care for herniated discs can help patients avoid long-term use of prescription pain medicines and the addictive potential and side effects that come along with them.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition where the outer portion of one of the vertebral discs is torn. Due to this rupture, the inner gelatinous part of the intervertebral disc can protrude through the tough, fibrous exterior. This protruding herniated portion of the disc can irritate and compress the nerves surrounding the disc, resulting in pain and inflammation. Herniated discs are also called ruptured discs or slipped discs.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is often a degenerative condition brought on by the normal wear and tear of the aging process. Over time, the intervertebral discs lose their moisture content and lose flexibility. Then, they are more prone to ruptures and tears, even without a whole lot of stress being put on them. The risk of suffering a herniated disc can be increased by being overweight, working a physically demanding job, improper lifting techniques, and even you heredity.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
People can have a herniated disc without experiencing any symptoms. However, others who have the condition may have intense pain. If the herniated disc is in the lower back, you are more likely to feel pain in your hips, buttocks, thighs, and calves. If the problem is in your cervical (neck) vertebrae, you may feel pain in your arms and shoulders. Herniated discs can also cause general weakness, tingling, and numbness. Typically, the nerves irritated by the herniation will then affect the muscles and other body parts that are served by them. Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care can help to alleviate many of the symptoms traditionally associated with herniated discs.
When Should I See a Chiropractor?
If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you would be well-advised to make an appointment with our team as soon as possible. Patients often come to our office with symptoms, but no diagnosis, and we’re happy to see them and work to help them recover. If you have any of the indications or symptoms listed here, or any acute or chronic back pain that’s been undiagnosed, seeking Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care can evaluate the problem and allow our care team to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan.