Herniated Discs in the Neck and Lower Back
Herniated discs cause a a multitude of symptoms depending on where the disc herniation occurs.
The spine consists of three segments:
1. cervical - the first seven vertebrae (neck)
2. thoracic - the next twelve vertebrae (mid back)
3. lumbar - the lower five vertebrae (lower back)
The most common disc herniations occur in the lumbar spine and cervical spine. Therefore, we will focus on those 2 regions.
Herniated Discs in the Lumbar Spine
The most common herniated discs occur in the lumbar spine. A lumbar herniated disc affects your lower back and your legs. Nerve root impingement may cause weakness or pain/numbness that radiates down your leg. Bladder problems may also occur, but this indicates that there is a more serious problem.
Herniated Discs in the Neck
Herniated discs in the neck are less common than herniated discs in the lower back. That is because there is less disc material and less force pressing on the disc in the neck compared to the lower back. Symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck include weakness in the arms as well as numbness and pain radiating into the arms. For example, a disc herniation at the C4 disc level can cause neck pain, shoulder pain or muscular weakness in the arms. However, a disc herniation at the C7 disc level can cause numbness in your fingers, a weak grip or pain radiating down the arm.
Treatment
Most herniated discs heal with conservative care. The most important thing you can do if you suspect that you have a disc herniation is to visit a chiropractor. This type of spine specialist will conduct a physical exam and diagnose your herniation, giving its location and possible forms of treatment. Treatments include laser therapy, stretching, cryotherapy, heat therapy, electric stimulation and mobilization by a chiropractor.
For more information and to receive a Free Consultation, call us at: 302-678-8866
We are located in Dover, Milford, Seaford and Wilmington.
We also treat:
Lower Back Pain
Neck Pain
Arm Pain
Shoulder Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
And more
