Living with back pain can be debilitating, but understanding the root cause of the issue is the first step toward recovery. Herniated discs are a common reason for back pain, and herniated disc treatments often require a comprehensive approach to pain management and spinal care. If you are struggling with this condition, it is crucial to understand its causes, recognize its symptoms, and explore the range of treatments available to you.
In this detailed guide, we will take a deep dive into herniated discs, offering clarity on what they are and how to tackle them effectively.
What is a Herniated Disc?
To grasp the full impact of a herniated disc, it is vital to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spine is made up of a series of vertebrae – small and cylindrical bones – that are stacked on top of one another, separated by cushion-like discs. These discs absorb the shocks that the body is subjected to daily. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft center of the disc pushes through a crack in the tough exterior casing.
Understanding the Causes
Herniated discs result from the combination of wear and tear, aging, and sometimes a sudden pressure on the lower back. Some common causes include:
Age-Related Degeneration
Our spinal discs lose some of their water content as we age, which makes them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing. This can occur even with a minor strain or twist.
Sudden Pressure on the Lower Back
Lifting heavy objects improperly or due to sudden awkward movements, can result in excessive pressure on the lower back and such can lead to herniation.
Excess Weight
Being overweight, especially when it causes additional strain and pressure on the lower back, increases the risk of developing herniated discs.
Genetic Factors
Some people may inherit a predisposition to develop a herniated disc.
Occupation and Physical Activity
Jobs and activities that are physically demanding and involve repetitive movements, vibrations, and sitting for long periods can increase the risk.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Herniated discs can cause a variety of symptoms, most often:
Arm or Leg Pain
The most common symptom of a herniated disc is a sharp, cramping or dull pain that radiates from the lower back down into one or both legs. If the disc herniation occurs at a higher level in the spine, it can cause this same type of pain in one or both arms.
Numbness or Tingling
Patients often report a sensation of pins and needles, known as paresthesia, which can affect regions of the body served by the affected nerve.
Weakness
Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken, leading to difficulty in lifting or holding items or difficulty in walking.
Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction
In severe cases, pressure on the nerves can cause a loss of control over the bowel and bladder functions, which is a medical emergency.
Innovative Treatments for Herniated Discs
Triple board-certified Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss at Alternative Disc Therapy offers a range of innovative, nonsurgical treatments for herniated disc patients. His approach to healing involves regenerative medicine techniques, which stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities to repair damaged tissues and reduce pain. These treatments include:
Oxygen Ozone Herniated Disc Injections
If you are suffering with a painful disc herniation and you don’t want surgery, or if surgery, medication, and/or physical therapy have failed, consider a nonsurgical oxygen ozone disc injection treatment at Alternative Disc Therapy. Patients come from all over North America and Canada to benefit from this treatment because our patients experience great outcomes with none of the surgery-related risks and complications. What’s more, it is a same-day outpatient procedure with no downtime.
Dr. Bleiweiss pioneered the oxygen ozone disc injection procedure in North America and has been routinely performing it with reliably positive outcomes for more than a decade. This procedure has been available in Europe for decades as a standard treatment for disc herniations with consistent success and there are numerous studies proving that its effectiveness is sustainable and long-lasting.
What to Expect from Treatment with Dr. Bleiweiss
Dr. Bleiweiss takes a holistic approach, focusing on the entire body to optimize function and relieve pain. Patients undergoing treatment with Dr. Bleiweiss can expect:
Comprehensive Evaluation
A thorough assessment of your condition and your overall health to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Dr. Bleiweiss uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, which means less discomfort, a shorter recovery time, and a lower risk of complications.
Professional and Compassionate Care
Dr. Bleiweiss and his team provide a supportive and caring environment to help patients through their treatment and recovery.
Herniated Disc Treatments in Caldwell, New Jersey
If you are living with the pain of a herniated disc, it is time to take action. Contact Dr. Bleiweiss at Alternative Disc Therapy by calling (973) 403-3334 and scheduling a consultation to explore the treatment options available to you. You can also use our convenient online Request an Appointment form to request a visit. For a free e-book about the benefits of oxygen ozone injection therapy for the treatment of herniated discs, click here.
Don’t allow back pain to keep you from living the life you love – there is hope for effective relief and a return to a higher quality of life.
