What is Hernia Pain?
A herniated disk is a serious problem that occurs when the vertebral disk bulges or slips out of place. When a disk is herniated, the nucleus of the disk has pushed through the tough exterior of the annulus and is exposed, usually on the outside of the spinal column. These spinal discs sit between each vertebra, acting as a cushion for the vertebrae, absorbing shock and allowing the spine to bend.
A herniated disk can occur due to any number of reasons, from contact sports to lifting a heavy object. Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back but can also occur in the upper cervical spine and neck.
Signs and Symptoms of Hernia Pain?
A mildly herniated disk will have little to no symptoms for most people. Those who do will often experience sharp and sudden pain at the site of herniation. Following this, patients may experience arm or leg pain, numbness in the extremities, tingling, or weakness in the muscles around the area. If you have a herniated disk in the upper cervical spine, you may experience neck pain and weakness in the arms and shoulders.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Hernia Pain
A bulging or herniated disk in the upper cervical spine can directly cause hernia pain in the neck, arms, and shoulders. Hernia pain is usually a result of a herniated disk pressing directly onto a nerve root in the surrounding upper cervical spine. As the upper cervical spine houses the brainstem and the central nervous system (CNS), a herniated disk can create pressure on the CNS, resulting in the tingling or numb sensations characteristic of this condition. In more serious cases, a herniated disk can directly impact the spinal cord, resulting in loss of coordination and other mobility issues.
How Our Upper Cervical Spine Treatment Works
Consider speaking with our upper cervical chiropractic specialist, Dr. Bello, if you’re suffering from severe pain and believe you have a herniated disk. Using a range of diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography scans and X-rays, Dr. Bello will be able to analyze your spinal column for vertebral misalignments or disk herniation.
After assessing your scans, Dr. Bello will create a specialized plan to treat the root cause of your pain. This plan will involve a series of gentle, precise upper cervical corrections to ease the vertebral disk back into place, often providing immediate pain relief. Don’t worry, the process of correcting a herniated disk doesn’t involve any painful popping, twisting, or cracking of the spinal vertebrae.
If you’re looking for an alternative and natural treatment for hernia pain, Dr. Bello is here to help. He offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Marina Del Rey, Brentwood, Los Angeles, Westwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.