If you're suffering from a herniated disk, it can be a painful and debilitating condition. It is sometimes referred to as a disk prolapse or slipped disk, wherein it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.

However, there are instances where you won't feel any pain especially if the affected disks don't press on any nerves. The symptoms will decrease or go away in a couple of weeks, but there are cases where the patient may need surgery if it continues to become worse. Vacaville chiropractors are able to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are a slipped disk or something else.

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Causes of Slipped Disk in Vacaville

A slipped disk happens when the soft internal section of an intervertebral disk is protruding through the outer layer.

The human spine consists of 26 bones known as the vertebrae. These vertebrae have rubbery, cushion-like pads in between them called disks. The disks ensure that the vertebrae remain in place and acts as shock absorbers.

Spinal disks have a tough exterior and a soft, jelly-like center.

A herniated disk happens when the disks have a crack in the wall and some of the soft interior slips out through it. It is common in the low back, but it can also happen in the vertebrae of the neck.

The jelly that slipped through contains chemicals that irritate the nerves, thereby causing significant pain. The prolapsed disk could also apply pressure on the nerves and the compression will cause some pain.

The common reason for a leaking disk is due to gradual wear and overuse caused by constant, repetitive movement. As a person ages, the spinal disk loses some of its water content, which makes them less supple and more vulnerable to splitting.

It's impossible to recall the exact point when the disk problem begins, but it mostly starts when you're lifting heavy objects without bending your knees or after you twisted your back when lifting that heavy item.

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Risk factors

Herniated disks can happen at any age, but it's common for men aging 20 to 50 years old. The factors that increase the risk include the following:

• Weight - Having excess weight can put more stress on the lower back.
• Genetics - If a relative has experienced herniated disks, there's a chance that it could be passed on.
• Driving often - Being seated for a long-time plus the movement and vibrations of the car can cause damage to the disks and spinal structure.
• Occupation - If your job is physically demanding and involves a lot of pushing, pulling, or twisting, then you're prone to herniated disks. Also, any form of repetitive activity can strain the spine and cause this condition to happen.
• Sedentary lifestyle - If you don't exercise regularly, you're vulnerable to a herniated disk.
• Smoking - This habit could reduce the delivery of oxygen to the disks, which can lead to the grinding-down of the tissue.
• Unsafe lifting technique - When lifting, it's always recommended to use force from the legs and not on the back. Lifting using an incorrect technique can lead to a herniated disk.

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Symptoms

There are cases when a person won't feel any symptoms at all.

If there are any symptoms, it could be due to the pressure being applied to the nerves. These symptoms may include the following:

• Pain - It happens on the spine and can even spread to the arms and legs.
• Weakness - It happens on the muscles that are linked to the nerve, which could make you stumble when walking.
• Numbness and tingling - It happens in the region of the body where the nerve supplies.

If the herniated disk is in the lower back, the pain can be felt on the buttocks, calves, thighs, and the feet. This is sometimes referred to as sciatica since the pain is traveling through the path of the sciatic nerve.

If the problem is somewhere on the neck, then your arms and shoulders are the ones usually affected by the pain. Doing quick movements or sneezing will make you experience shooting pains in that area.

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Spinal decompression can help with herniated disks

Spinal decompression is a nonsurgical treatment that uses a motorized traction to reduce back pain. It works by gently stretching the spine while also changing its force and position. This will reduce pressure from the spinal disks by creative negative pressure on them. As a result, your herniated disks will retract, taking away the pressure from the nerves and other structures in your spine. This will then allow normal movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks to promote the healing process.

If you're eager to get your spinal decompression therapy today, then you can go set an appointment with Dr. Alex Tam by calling the number (707) 474-5688. He owns Absolute Family Chiropractic and he has helped patients recover from herniated disks. You can check out some of his client testimonial videos in this link for a peace of mind about his services. So, give his clinic a call and get yourself an appointment right away.