Bulging & Herniated Disc Treatment in Acworth, GA
A bulging or herniated disc can make everyday movements uncomfortable. Depending on where the affected disc is located, you may experience back or neck pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or pain that travels into an arm or leg.
At Lake City Chiropractic, Our doctors provides care for patients in Acworth, GA who are dealing with bulging and herniated discs. One treatment option available at our office is spinal decompression, a non-surgical approach that may be appropriate for certain disc-related conditions.
Your care starts with an evaluation so we can better understand your symptoms, determine what may be contributing to them, and recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
What Is a Bulging or Herniated Disc?
Your spine is made up of individual bones called vertebrae. Between these bones are spinal discs that provide cushioning and help the spine move.
A disc has a softer inner portion surrounded by a tougher outer layer. When a disc begins to extend beyond its normal position, it may be described as a bulging disc. A herniated disc occurs when material from inside the disc pushes through a weakened or damaged area in the outer layer.
Not every disc problem causes symptoms. When a disc affects nearby nerves or surrounding structures, however, it can lead to pain and other symptoms in the back, neck, arms, or legs.
Symptoms of a Bulging or Herniated Disc
Symptoms can vary depending on where the affected disc is located and whether nearby nerves are involved.
Common symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Pain that travels into an arm or leg
- Sciatica
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Discomfort when sitting, standing, bending, or lifting
Some people experience only localized discomfort, while others have symptoms that travel away from the spine.
An evaluation can help determine whether a disc problem may be contributing to what you are experiencing.
What Causes Bulging and Herniated Discs?
Disc problems can develop gradually or occur following an injury. As spinal discs change over time, they can become less flexible and more vulnerable to damage.
Factors that may contribute to disc problems include:
- Age-related changes
- Repetitive lifting or bending
- Improper lifting
- Auto accident injuries
- Sports injuries
- Sudden twisting movements
- Repetitive stress on the spine
Sometimes there is no single event that caused the problem. Symptoms may develop gradually and become more noticeable over time.
What Is Spinal Decompression?
A Non-Surgical Approach to Disc-Related Pain
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that uses a specialized table to gently stretch and relax targeted areas of the spine.
During treatment, controlled traction is applied to the spine in a way that alternates between stretching and relaxation. The goal is to reduce pressure on affected areas and create an environment that may help relieve certain disc-related symptoms.
Spinal decompression can be adjusted based on the area being treated and the needs of the individual patient. Before recommending it, Our doctors will evaluate your condition to determine whether you may be a candidate for treatment.
What Conditions May Be Treated With Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is not appropriate for every type of back or neck pain. When indicated by an evaluation, it may be considered for certain conditions involving the spine and discs.
These may include:
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Disc-related neck pain
- Disc-related lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Radiating pain associated with certain disc problems
The presence of one of these conditions does not automatically mean spinal decompression is right for you. Your health history, symptoms, examination findings, and other factors need to be considered first.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Spinal Decompression?
The goals of spinal decompression depend on your condition and the symptoms you are experiencing.
When appropriate, treatment may help:
- Reduce pressure on affected areas of the spine
- Address certain types of disc-related pain
- Improve comfortable movement
- Reduce stiffness
- Improve mobility
- Address symptoms associated with certain irritated or compressed nerves
Spinal decompression may be used on its own or as part of a broader treatment plan depending on your needs.
What to Expect During Spinal Decompression Treatment
Consultation
We will start by discussing your symptoms, health history, previous injuries, and how the problem is affecting your daily activities.
Examination
Our doctors will evaluate your condition to better understand what may be causing your symptoms. If you have previous imaging or medical records related to your disc problem, bring them with you to your appointment.
Recommendations
After reviewing your findings, Our doctors will discuss your treatment options and whether spinal decompression may be appropriate for you.
Treatment
If spinal decompression is recommended, you will be positioned on the decompression table and the treatment will be adjusted for the area of your spine being addressed. Your treatment plan will depend on your condition and how you respond to care.
Spinal Decompression as Part of Your Treatment Plan
A disc problem does not necessarily mean that one treatment will address everything you are experiencing.
Depending on your examination, spinal decompression may be combined with chiropractic care, physical therapy, therapeutic exercises, or other approaches available at Lake City Chiropractic.
For example, decompression may focus on the affected area of the spine while exercises or physical therapy address strength, flexibility, movement, and function.
Your treatment plan will be based on what Our doctors finds during your evaluation rather than automatically using the same combination of treatments for every patient.
When Should You Have Disc Symptoms Evaluated?
Back and neck pain are common, but symptoms that travel into an arm or leg, numbness, tingling, or ongoing pain may be signs that a nerve or spinal disc is involved.
If symptoms are interfering with work, sleep, exercise, driving, or normal daily activities, an evaluation can help you understand what may be causing them.
Certain symptoms require more immediate medical attention. Seek prompt medical care for severe or rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or other sudden neurological symptoms.
Why Choose Lake City Chiropractic?
At Lake City Chiropractic, treatment starts with understanding the problem rather than simply treating the location of your pain.
Our doctors will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether spinal decompression or another treatment option may be appropriate for your condition. If spinal decompression is recommended, your treatment will be tailored to your needs and adjusted based on your progress.
Our office also provides chiropractic care and physical therapy, allowing us to incorporate additional treatment approaches when appropriate.
Our Services
Working Hours
Mon: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Tue: 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Wed: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Thu: 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
Spinal Decompression in Acworth, GA
If a bulging or herniated disc is causing back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms, find out what treatment options may be available to you.
Schedule an appointment with Our doctors at Lake City Chiropractic in Acworth, GA to have your symptoms evaluated and learn whether spinal decompression may be appropriate for your condition.