What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated or slipped disc is a condition caused by a bulge, slip, or rupture of one or more of the rubbery discs which sit between the spinal vertebrae.
The most common cause of disc herniation is repetitive motions that place strain on the back and neck, such as lifting or twisting the trunk of the body. They are also linked to postural defects, whiplash or impact trauma events, and other issues with the spinal column.
Signs and Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Some common symptoms experienced with a herniated disc include tingling or shooting pains in the back or neck, weakness in the muscles, numbness in the buttocks or legs, headaches, muscle spasms, pain or difficulty when walking, awkward gait, and a decrease in fine motor skills.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects a Herniated Disc
When there is a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine, it can quickly lead to disc herniation and spinal cord compression. This is because misaligned vertebrae often contribute to further dislocation of the disc from its natural position, pushing directly into the spinal nerves and spinal cord.
While this can be a direct source of sharp, shooting pain in the neck and upper back, the long-term consequences can be much more serious. If the disc herniation disrupts nerve flow from the central nervous system, it can have a knock-on effect on other processes in the body, causing pain and dysfunction in the arms, hands, and legs.
How our Herniated Disc Treatment Works
If you have a herniated disc, you don’t have to suffer in silence — our upper cervical chiropractic specialist, Dr. Bello, is here to help. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a holistic and natural form of chiropractic treatment that aims to improve the health and function of your upper cervical spine.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Bello will perform a thorough assessment of your upper cervical spine to pinpoint the site of the herniated disc or any other spinal misalignments that could be contributing to your symptoms. During this process, Dr. Bello will use a range of advanced diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography scans and X-rays.
Following diagnosis, Dr. Bello will create a treatment plan to restore the herniated disc and address the accompanying symptoms. Upper cervical chiropractic treatment relies on low-force, precise corrections to the upper cervical spine. This process is gentle and non-invasive, so you won’t have to worry about any painful popping, cracking, or pulling!
If you’re at a loss in treating your herniated disc, get in touch with Dr. Bello to schedule an upper cervical chiropractic consultation. Dr. Bello provides treatment at his clinics in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.