Herniated Disc Care in Chatsworth CA

If you have a herniated disc in Chatsworth CA, it’s the disc that is pushing on the nerves, thus the pain develops in the back. Herniated discs can keep you from attending to your everyday activities and hinder your overall quality of life. If numbness, tingling, leg pain, or back pain are affecting your day-to-day, speak to your doctor, who can ultimately connect you to a chiropractor. ChiroFit Studio delivers herniated disc treatment to patients using various techniques and modalities to get individuals back on their feet, feeling as good as they can.

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Causes of Herniated Disc in Chatsworth CA

While a number of things may be responsible for the pain including; fractures, sprains, strains, and spinal stenosis, a herniated/bulging disc is by far one of the most common. Recent studies have shown that nearly 35% of the American population currently have herniated or bulging discs, many of them asymptomatic. Unfortunately, these people are unaware that their discs are acting like ticking time bombs, waiting for a time when they are overcome by stress, resulting in varying degrees of pain. Your doctors at ChiroFit Studio in Chatsworth CA understand how severe herniated and bulging discs may be and will use this article to provide you with information about this condition, as well as the most appropriate treatment options.

To understand what a herniated/bulging disc is, it is essential to have a basic understanding of its normal structure and function. A typical person has 23 intervertebral discs throughout their spine, each separating the neighboring vertebrae or back bones. An intervertebral disc has two primary components; the annulus (a group of circular fibers) and a nucleus found within the center of the annulus. While it may seem too simplistic, relating a disc to a jelly donut provides a good visualization of its structure. To picture this, imagine the nucleus as the jelly in the center of the donut or annulus. While the design may be simple, it has allowed intervertebral discs to become one of the most amazing structures found within the human body. Imagine the amount of stress that a single disc experiences in a lifetime, acting as a shock absorber with every single step and motion. Not only do these discs act as the only shock absorbers throughout our spine, but they are also responsible for protecting the surrounding nerves and muscles.

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What is a Herniation or a Bulging Disc?

Before we get into options for herniated disc treatment, let’s revisit what a herniated disc is. Your spine is composed of bony vertebrae separated by spinal discs. These discs act like spongy cushions between the vertebrae, they absorb shock and give your spine flexibility. A herniated disc develops when the inner, soft part of the disc pushes through a crack in the surrounding, tough outer layer. This can cause pressure on nerves, which can result in pain, numbness in certain parts of the body, and weakness.

While discs are extremely strong, they are susceptible to damage and subsequent weakening. Over time, damage to the disc can weaken the annulus allowing the inner nucleus to bulge at the weakened area, or in the most severe cases herniate completely through. We will refer back to the jelly donut analogy to illustrate this concept. As pressure is applied to the intervertebral disc, it typically causes a slight enlargement on the opposite side of the disc due to a shifting of the fluid nucleus (jelly). For example, when a person bends forward to pick something up they increase the pressure on the front of the disc, causing the jelly (nucleus) to shift to the back. In a healthy disc, the enlargement and fluid will return back to its normal position once the added pressure or stress is removed. However, when the disc has been compromised, it will often remain in its deformed state causing disruption or even damage to the surrounding structures.

Now that you have an understanding of what a disc is, as well as a herniation and bulge, I'm sure you're wondering what caused the disc to become weak in the first place. The answer to this question isn't as easy as you would guess. Typically, the development of pain due to a damaged disc has been building up over time. Lifting that heavy box, tying your shoe, or even coughing, which may have caused the pain to become noticeable, was more than likely the straw that broke the camels back. Prior to the development of pain, factors such as subluxations, osteoarthritis, loss of normal spinal curves, and simple improper posture led to the weakening of the outer annulus of the disc. The moment you noticed the pain, was more than likely the time that the nucleus bulged through the annulus, placing pressure and stress on the surrounding nerves.

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How to Help a Herniated or Bulging Disc

While there are many treatments available, starting with the least invasive and most conservative approach is always the best idea. Thankfully, when treating herniated or bulged discs, the most conservative approach has been found to be the most effective. After determining the diagnosis of a disc problem, your doctor will confirm their suspicions through the use of MRI or X-ray imaging. Once a disc pathology has been confirmed, your doctors will determine the most appropriate treatment avenue.

At ChiroFit Studio, we offer a variety of herniated disc treatment options, depending on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. Here are some of the most common treatment options we use:

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective way to treat herniated discs. These adjustments involve applying gentle pressure to the spine to realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the nerves.
• Spinal Decompression: Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the discs. This can help to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which can be beneficial for people with herniated discs. It can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help to reduce pain levels.
• Exercise Rehabilitation: Exercise rehabilitation can help to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which can be helpful for people with herniated discs. Our therapists can develop an individualized exercise program that can help to reduce pain and improve overall physical function.

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How Can ChiroFit Studio Help with Herniated Discs?

Herniated discs are nothing new to the team at ChiroFit Studio. Our approach to healthcare is an alliance to allow each individual on our team to offer their specialist skills that would promote the overall health and well-being of the patient in a way that is most beneficial to recovery. Here are some ways we help:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: We will evaluate you using a thorough examination to identify the degree of severity of your herniated disc in order to provide an individualized plan of care to fit your unique needs.
• Personalized Treatment: As no two patients are alike, we will tailor a treatment designed for you that incorporates your needs and wishes.
• Non-Invasive Treatment Options: We specialize in non-invasive treatment options for herniated discs, including chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, massage therapy, and exercise rehabilitation.
• Experienced Healthcare Professionals: Our team of healthcare professionals has years of experience in treating herniated discs and helping patients achieve optimal health and well-being.
• Patient-Centered Care: At ChiroFit Studio, we are committed to providing patient-centered care. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you receive the care and support you need to achieve your health goals.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact ChiroFit Studio in Chatsworth CA today.

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If you are suffering from back pain or want an evaluation and consultation to determine if you may be one of the 35% of Americans with asymptomatic disc bulges, contact ChiroFit Studio in Chatsworth CA today.