Many people think that back pain is just a fact of life and that they need to bear the pain in the hopes it will eventually disappear with time or home remedies. Unfortunately, this approach does not address the root cause of back pain and even if you can find temporary relief, the symptoms will usually return. Your back pain may be a result of something innocuous like sitting at a desk for too long, but it can also be a symptom of more serious issues. The best way to tell the difference is by visiting a clinic in Snellville, GA to properly assess the injury.
The best way to prevent lifelong pain is to visit a chiropractor in Snellville as soon as you notice pain, as it may indicate a serious injury like a herniated disc. Even if you have put off treatment, you still have options to prevent the issues it may cause in the future. Below are some signs
More Pain
Even if you have recently herniated a disc, you may not experience pain right away. It can actually be considered a hidden injury because of the delay in symptoms. This can happen after the sudden impact on a body when you’re in a car accident, when you will likely experience pain for a few days. If this pain becomes worse over time, particularly if it becomes localized to one area of the spine, this can be a sign of a possible herniated disc.
A herniated disc occurs when the sponge-like cushion between vertebrae slips out of place, causing nerve interference and bone to rub against bone. The misalignment of discs stops them from properly protecting the vertebrae, leading to pain during movement and a lack of ability to absorb shock.
Pain in Other Areas
One of the main indicators of a herniated disc is pain that radiates throughout the body. While it may begin in the back, it can move towards the arms or legs. This can happen when a herniated disc presses against a nearby nerve, which leads to a tingling or numb feeling in the extremities. As a result of this, you may also notice muscle weakness or fatigue.
Most often a herniated disc occurs in the lower back, known as the lumbar region, which typically impacts the lower body, legs, and feet. When a cervical herniated disc occurs, it is more likely to affect the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Soft Tissue Damage
While herniated discs impact the vertebrae, it is technically a soft tissue injury because the disc itself is a soft tissue. In some cases, the disc simply slips out of place and needs to be realigned. But in some cases, the disc itself can rupture without the ability to regenerate, making it damaged soft tissue. In severe cases, this can require surgery to repair, but you should consult with a clinic in Snellville, GA for your individual case.
Nerve Damage
One of the most serious conditions that can arise from a herniated disc is damage to the nerves in the area. If a herniated disc puts enough pressure on a nerve, the nerve impulses can be cut off and cause serious damage. The nervous system communicates between the spine, brain, and rest of the body through nerve networks, and when these are involved in damage it can cause issues throughout the entire body. When a disc moves, it can compress a nerve and lead to serious conditions. In some cases, people with compressed nerves can experience serious issues like loss of bowel and bladder control or even partial paralysis in the lower body.
The best way to prevent these kinds of issues is to seek care as soon as you notice any issues that may indicate a herniated disc. The goal of a spine specialist will be to address the issue without surgical intervention. If you have any back pain that begins to radiate into the arms, legs, hands, feet, or shoulders, a visit to a spine specialist is always a good idea.
At AICA Snellville, our team will be able to assess your injury to determine if a herniated disc is the root cause and create a personalized plan to help you return to a pain-free way of living. When you visit our clinic in Snellville, GA, your doctor will go through a thorough physical exam and diagnostic imaging to determine the best way forward for your individual case. Contact us today to begin healing.