Herniated Disc FAQ

Ongoing back pain can be caused by many factors. One such factor is a herniated disc. At Capitol Rehab of Crofton, our team regularly provides patients with relief from herniated disc pain through a variety of methods. Whether the herniated disc is the result of injury or age, we provide the quality care that you need. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding herniated discs.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Each spinal vertebra is cushioned by a disc. As we age or experience injury, this disc can rupture or herniate through its protective outer ring. This is also referred to as a slipped disc. This condition frequently happens in the lower back around the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebrae. The lower back is consistently bearing the upper body’s weight. It’s also the location where we twist our torso and extend when bending or lifting. This puts the lower back area at greater potential risk of developing a herniated disc.

What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniated disc. The most common complaint is constant back pain. If the disc herniation is severe, it can press on spinal nerves and cause shooting pain. This pain is sometimes referred to as sciatica. The shooting pain can be felt down the back of the thigh and buttock. It can also cause numbness or tingling in the legs. Some call this a pinched nerve. Disc herniation that happens in the cervical spine can cause shooting pain down an arm and muscle spasms. In especially bad cases, nerves on both sides of the spine are affected, causing full-body pain and muscle weakness.

Taking Care of Your Spine

If you believe you are suffering from a herniated disc, contact our chiropractor. At Capitol Rehab of Crofton, our team has years of experience offering herniated disc relief to residents of Crofton, Bowie, Gambrills, and Odenton, MD. For more information on how we treat herniated discs, call us at (410) 451-3561 or request an appointment online