Herniated Disc Treatment in West Windsor, Allentown, and Freehold, NJ

The spinal column, the body’s central support structure, connects to keep us upright. While the spine may seem rigid, the spinal discs and elastic ligaments that comprise it create flexibility that allows us to twist, bend, and move. Unfortunately, a herniated disc reduces mobility, so consider herniated disc treatments if you experience this ailment.

At Align Health & Wellness, our five-star chiropractors offer a state-of-the-art facility with high-end equipment in West Windsor, Allentown, and Freehold, NJ. Our years of experience allow us to provide physical therapy for herniated discs and other back issues that affect daily life. Below, delve into this common issue and treatment options. 

Your backbone consists of 24 bones that make up the vertebrae. A cushioning disc sits between each vertebra to keep the bones from rubbing together (which would cause pain and stiffness) while allowing for mobility. They also absorb shocks and provide stability. 

However, if regular activities place pressure or irritation on the gelatinous-filled disc, the sac punctures and fluid spills into the outer annulus fibrosus layer. When this occurs, a bubble forms on the outer surface of the disc, which rubs against nerve roots and causes irritation. 

Since the spinal column spans from the cervical region, past the thorax, and down to the lumbar area, many experience pain or discomfort in the neck, mid-back, or lower back. For some, the pain may come and go or increase with the slightest repetitive motions like bending, twisting, or sitting for extended periods. Even coughing and sneezing, which send vibrations through the body, can affect pain levels.

For others, numbness or tingling may occur if a herniated disc in the cervical spine compresses the spinal cord. According to Columbia University, if you have a thoracic herniated disc, numbness may spread around the ribcage and upper abdomen, just as a lumbar herniated disc causes numbness in the legs. 

While some individuals may not feel any symptoms, at least not immediately, others may experience any of the following symptoms that require a herniated disc treatment: 

• Sciatica or other leg pain that travels from the buttocks to the feet
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Limited joint flexibility

Age has a lot to do with the resiliency of your spinal discs, but individuals of all ages may experience a slipped disc if their lifestyle, body type, or genetics point to common risk factors. 

For instance, if lifting heavy loads is a regular activity of yours, whether for a workout or blue-collar job, the constant pressure can cause a disc to slip. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, repetitive or prolonged lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, and twisting increases these back problems. Similarly, excess body weight places regular pressure on the discs, causing the same outcome. 

Other causes of a herniated disc include:

• Genetics (herniated disc development can be hereditary)
• A sedentary lifestyle (limited movement, stretching, and exercise reduce strength and endurance in the spinal column)
• Smoking (which reduces oxygen to the discs, allowing them to become brittle prematurely)
• Gender (men from 20 to 50 years of age are more likely to have a herniated disc than women)
• Poor posture (placing pressure in the wrong places in your spinal column, encouraging discs to pop out)

Non-Abrasive Treatments

Luckily, most treatments for herniated discs include non-invasive therapies and lifestyle changes. For instance, rest alone can eradicate discomfort and stiffness, especially if overworking yourself has caused your ailments. Pair this with heating pads that reduce inflammation and physical therapy to stretch the muscles and regain mobility. 

If pain in the back or limbs is one of your symptoms, your doctor may suggest anti-inflammatories as part of your herniated disc treatment. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirins that reduce disc swelling. For more intense pain, your doctor may instead prescribe neuropathic drugs like pregabalin or gabapentin, muscle relaxants, or epidural steroid injections with X-ray guidance. 

Surgical Treatments 

If the pain doesn’t subside, a herniated disc surgery may become necessary. In most cases, your surgeon will perform a discectomy or microdiscectomy to remove the problematic part of the disc pressing on the nerves. However, if the pain has spread to the legs and other body parts, a laminotomy or laminectomy removes the damaged disc and helps enlarge the spinal canal to take pressure off of it. 

Spinal fusion improves stability and posture since the surgeon places a bonelike substance between the affected vertebrae, which they anchor with metal plates and screws. You’ll need a back brace and a hospital stay to help with recovery. 

At Align Health & Wellness, our passionate team with extensive knowledge provides herniated disc treatments, including surgery and physical therapy for herniated discs. When you need a team backed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, call (609) 799-8444 in West Windsor, Allentown, and Freehold, NJ!

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

How much downtime should you have after surgery?

Downtime depends on the type of surgery you receive. For instance, a discectomy, microdiscectomy, or laminotomy takes roughly two to six weeks of recovery, while a spinal fusion requires a hospital stay and months of recovery. 

Can physical therapy help?

If poor posture, constant sitting, or other behaviors caused your herniated disc, a chiropractor can perform physical therapy to help your symptoms while targeting the underlying issues and promoting healing. Some therapy types include hands-on manual therapy, strengthening therapeutic exercises, pain management techniques, posture correction, and functional training. 

Why are herniated discs common with age?

Herniated discs are common among older individuals since the discs dry out and become brittle over time, affecting posture and increasing the chances of a bulge. Since these issues worsen if left untreated, reach out to a herniated disc chiropractor for herniated disc treatments.