Herniated disc, slipped disc, bulging disk, pinched nerve—these terms describe severe back pain. Among them, herniated discs often cause the most discomfort. Our chiropractor in Breaux Bridge LA can assess your condition and recommend effective treatment options.
The discs act as gel-filled cushions or shock absorbers between your vertebrae. A disc can herniate through a tear in the surrounding ligaments due to:
- Sudden injury
- Continuous stress
- Improper lifting or twisting of the spine
When a disc herniates, the gel-like material presses against spinal nerves, causing pain. In severe cases, the material can extend out from between the vertebrae and compress the nerves branching from the spinal cord.
Assessment by a Breaux Bridge LA Chiropractor
Your chiropractor will actively evaluate your pain to develop a treatment plan. First, they will test your reflexes to ensure proper nerve communication.
Next, they will assess muscle strength and check sensory function across various nerve pathways. These orthopedic and neurological exams allow your chiropractor to determine the safest and most effective course of action.
If your condition requires surgical evaluation, your chiropractor will refer you to a spinal specialist. Additionally, posture analysis and imaging studies such as x-rays or MRI scans may help guide the diagnosis.
Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs in Breaux Bridge LA
Chiropractors do not force a disc back into place, nor do quick treatments immediately resolve a herniated disc. Instead, gentle and usually painless adjustment techniques gradually promote disc healing and reduce pressure on nerves.
Research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care. For example, a 2006 study published in the journal Spine demonstrated positive outcomes for chiropractic manipulation in treating disc injuries and sciatica. Trust the experienced team at Hargrave Chiropractic – Breaux Bridge to provide safe, professional care tailored to your needs.