Approximately five to 20 per 1000 adults each year experience a herniated disc. The injury most often affects the lumbar spine, the lowest part of the spine. However, they can develop anywhere in the spine. Getting relief from this disc injury starts with choosing the right care and learning more about it.
Also referred to as intervertebral discs, spinal discs sit between the vertebrae in the spinal column. They are slightly pliable, making them excellent shock absorbers for the spine. They are also critical to the spine’s mobility and provide the nerves an opening to leave the spinal cord and service the body.
Disc herniation occurs in four stages. These stages include:
Disc Compression
Degenerative changes, trauma, and repetitive and extreme strain can compress the spinal discs. This results in tearing the annual fibers meant to keep the disc in its proper position. During this stage, the disc’s jelly-like center stays inside its structure, but it becomes irritated.
Bulging Disc
The annular fibers bulge further when a disc experiences constant loading and strain. This bulging can cause the spinal nerves to become aggravated and inflamed. At this point, the nucleus is still within the disc structure thanks to the outermost fibers keeping it in its place.
Disc Protrusion
The nucleus has a jelly-like substance that contains it. During this stage, the annulus fiber tears are significant, and in between these tears, the nucleus breaks out. The disc is starting to push on a spinal nerve. At this point, it is common to experience increased tingling, pain, and other symptoms.
Herniated Disc
At this stage, the annulus and nucleus are in the epidural space, squeezing most of the spinal nerve. While some doctors will recommend surgical intervention, chiropractors believe in a natural, non-invasive approach to restore disc health and spinal function.
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- 1:1 Consultation
- Insurance Benefits Check
- Neurological Evaluation
- 30 Minutes with the Doctor to Go Over YOUR Findings
- Health Care Done With You
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- Family Member Evaluations ONLY $29 Per Person
- Added Bonuses: Neck X-Ray (Value $207), Mid Back X-Ray (Value $121), Low Back X-Ray (Value $212), Ligament Exam (Value $147), Range of Motion Exam (Value $59), Bio Structural Exam (Value $50)
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How Our Disc Injury Care Plan Works
1. Truly Be Listened To
We spend quality 1 on 1 time going through your health journey and understanding your needs.
2. Customized Plan Based On Your Goals
Our recommendations are based on 2 things: Your health goals and our clinical findings. Each and every person gets a customized plan to meet their goals.
3. Start Thriving The Way You Were Intended To
We want results. It takes everyone, and we will do whatever it takes to get you to where you need to be.
Common Symptoms of a Disc Injury In Lincoln, NE
A disc injury does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often depend on the location of the disc and how severe the disc injury is. In most cases, the symptoms only happen on one side of the body. The pain tends to worsen over time, and it can get worse.
Pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms. The disc injury will determine the pain’s location. It can occur at the site of the injured disc as well as in the arms, hands, neck, and legs. The pain is often shooting, sharp, aching, or dull. Pain from a disc injury can worsen with different activity levels. Pain is the last symptom to appear and the first to go away, meaning that if you are experiencing herniation pain, the injury has likely been there for some time, perhaps causing nerve irritation and dysfunction in the body.
Muscle Spasms
The spinal nerves are under pressure from a herniated disc. This can result in muscle weakness. Muscle spasms can also occur with a disc injury. If the disc is in the lumbar spine, it may put pressure on the sciatic nerve. When this nerve is affected, you may experience pain running down the hip, leg, and buttocks.
Numbness and Tingling
With pressure on a nerve, several sensations can occur. These may include pins and needles, tingling, numbness, and burning. Stiffness can also occur with this type of injury. For example, if the disc is in your cervical spine, neck stiffness is not uncommon.
Read Our Online Reviews
Andrew Schwan
2024-10-22
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The biggest difference between Novo and other chiropractic practitioners is that they are interested in helping fix the root cause of your discomfort as opposed to treating symptoms. They are extremely friendly and knowledgeable with your long term health and well being as their #1 priority!
Daniel Corson
2024-10-10
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you told me I would actually look forward going to a chiropractor I would never have believed you. But I'm so glad I did. I've suffered from lower back pain and joint stiffness for a few years now and standing for long periods of time was starting to become an issue. After only a few weeks with Novo I can already feel improvement in my posture and flexibility and no longer feel tightness when standing at work or home.
The staff has been helpful and encouraging every step of the way and conscientious of my particular needs. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the work they have done so far to help me live my best life and I look forward to the result that lay ahead. Going to Novo has been absolutely one of the best health decision I've made and I encourage anyone looking to make a positive change to visit the Novo Chiropractic team.
River Maranville
2024-10-10
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Novo chiropractic is a place I highly recommend if your body just doesn’t feel right constantly. I have trouble with my knees and back I assume due to football. Every time I visit their wonderful staff I walk out already feeling better. Novo is somewhere I would tell anyone, if you think your feeling off don’t wait just go.
Addi Johnson
2024-09-19
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I struggled with a lot of knee, hip and back pain from years as an athlete, but the team at Novo Chiropractic has helped me take care of those problems. I am now able to maintain a healthy lifestyle that is pain free in the process!
Andrea Villines
2024-09-09
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I absolutely love ❤️ NOVO chiropractic here in Lincoln. I met the amazing front desk staff Brenda and Lana at a local event and their caring and joyful enthusiasm for wanting to help people enjoy life pain-free with the help of amazing cutting edge chiropractic care led by Dr. Davidson and Dr. Zeplin, got me thinking there could be some help and a path to help me.
I decided to give it a try and came in for an evaluation and so glad I did. I was supported through the whole process from help with insurance, explanation of my exams and x-rays to helping work on personal health goals and a plan that worked for me.
I have been going for a month and have seen such amazing results, no more headaches, no pain when walking, I can feel the difference and my sleep is so great and the best I've ever had. The team is always so happy and the atmosphere is amazing.
I am so grateful for the amazing team at NOVO.
THANK YOU Dr. Davidson and Dr.Zeplin!
Rob Ryman
2024-09-03
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The treatment has been effective, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
Hiyam Ali
2024-08-19
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very knowledgeable, very nice, very clean office, very open scheduling and had very good results. Was in a car accident and my injuries took 2+ years to heal but I couldn’t have gotten back to normal without their help. Recommend!!!!
Taylor Jirovsky
2024-08-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Novo Chiropractic Lincoln is amazing! Everyone there is super friendly and they're there to help and want to help you. I went in struggling to get out of bed in the morning because I was in so much pain. I told them about the problems I was having and immediately they wanted to help and after the first adjustment. I walked out a new person. Now after a month of seeing them, I smile every day because they helped me get my life back! 100% recommend
Julie Talley
2024-08-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I tell everyone I see how great Novo Chiropractic is. They really do care about improving your health.
God bless them!
Tierra Cassens
2024-08-06
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. In short, Novo is a place that cares for your all-around health and well-being. The staff are always friendly and encouraging, finances and scheduling are communicated cheerfully and professionally, and goals and care plans are clearly and thoughtfully laid out. When I first reached out to Novo I was expecting a one-and-done adjustment. But temporary results is not what this place is about. I’m in my mid-20’s and a graduate student studying piano. Long hours behind a piano and a computer resulted in some serious stiffness and lower back pain. But through consistent adjustments, education in proper posture and general well-being, and exercises curated to my spine, chiropractic care from Novo has made a world of a difference. Regular chiropractic care is one of the best investments I’ve made in my education and my long-term health!
How We Treat Disc Injury In Lincoln, NE
We take a comprehensive approach to treating a disc injury, utilizing different steps and techniques to address your injury as it is unique to you and your total health.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
The first step in chiropractic disc injury care is the consultation. Your chiropractor will evaluate the injury as well as your total health and medical history. This makes it easier to determine the best course of treatment based on your specific situation.
Specific Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care for a disc injury is advantageous for a variety of reasons. The first is that it is non-invasive. A chiropractor can help people with disc injuries without requiring injections or surgical intervention.
Chiropractors do not treat this issue with controlled substances. We use a variety of other techniques to help control the symptoms and heal the injury instead of just masking it with medications.
We take a holistic approach to disc injury. Instead of just looking at this injury, we evaluate your whole body. Our comprehensive evaluation makes it possible to offer advice on lifestyle factors that treat the whole person while helping with the chief concern. You can start feeling better at your own pace.
This type of care goes straight to the root of the problem. We can help the disc material return to its proper position and correct subluxation via a chiropractic adjustment.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
It is crucial to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine to prevent a disc injury from occurring again in the future. Exercise also helps to promote better mobility. We will design your exercise plan based on the results of your evaluation to address your specific needs.
Spinal Decompression
When a disc herniates and is outside its proper position, this treatment helps it naturally return to its proper position. Decompression also promotes better nerve function by increasing joint spacing. This treatment uses gentle stretches directed at the spine.
Deep Tissue Laser
It takes time to heal this type of injury, but this treatment may help to accelerate the process. It allows for light energy to reach the damaged tissue through deep penetration. This helps to increase healing and reduce inflammation. Each session usually only takes approximately three to five minutes. This treatment can be combined with others to promote healing and relief from your symptoms.
Causes of Disc Injury In Lincoln, NE
There are several ways to experience a disc injury. Knowing the potential causes may help you to reduce your risk.
Repetitive Motion and Stress
If your repetitive movements put frequent strain on any of your spinal discs, this could result in wear and tear on those discs. For example, if you work a job that often requires you to be bent over or make awkward movements affecting your core, this could cause stress that could affect the spinal discs over time.
Heavy Lifting
Physiological changes can start to occur with heavy lifting. This can increase the speed at which the discs become damaged. Over time, this could cause injury and result in disc herniation.
Auto Accidents
When an auto accident occurs, a sudden impact on the spine is possible, and this can result in a disc injury. This type of accident can cause annular tears, bulging discs, and herniated discs, depending on the severity of the impact.
Degenerative Disc Disease
This common condition is characterized by the discs losing strength due to wear and tear. It can occur as the result of getting older or due to overuse or an injury. The discs are unable to repair themselves once the disc is damaged. While any disc in the spine can be affected, it most often affects the lower back and the neck.
Respiratory Illness
It is possible to experience a disc injury due to sneezing and coughing. When you are sneezing or coughing, this can increase pressure on the spine, which can result in leaking or rupture. Sneezing and coughing can also strain the back and increase the risk of a disc injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a disc herniation to heal?
The herniated disc’s location and severity determine how long it takes this disc injury to heal. However, the average time for healing is four to six weeks. However, some literature says it can take up to 22 weeks, especially if you continue to do things that put stress on the injured disc. In most cases, surgery is not necessary. You can utilize noninvasive measures to promote disc healing and manage your symptoms.
What should you not do with a herniated disc?
Healing a herniated disc can be a delicate balance regarding what to do and not do during the recovery process. While some rest is important when healing, you should limit it to the first two days. After this, you want to be cautiously active. It is also important to make sure you are not sitting too much, and when you are sitting, ensure that you are using proper posture and that your spine has adequate support.
Bending over can aggravate the injury and cause further pain. Make sure to avoid activities that require bending. You should also avoid stretching your back too much.
Adjusting your sleeping position can help to reduce your pain and promote healing. Sleep on the opposite side of your pain. You should also put a pillow under your lower legs. Adding some lumbar support is ideal if you sleep on your back.
You can gently exercise as you are healing, but there are some exercises that you should avoid, including:
- Sit-ups
- Twisting exercises
- Deadlifts
- Hamstring stretches
- Running
- Contact sports
Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?
Pinched nerves can be very painful, but there are ways that chiropractic care can help to alleviate the pain. A chiropractic adjustment can help to reduce pressure on the nerve so that it can heal. With adjustments, you can improve your mobility and alleviate your pain. Massage can also be beneficial because it helps to loosen the muscles associated with the pinched nerve.
In addition, your chiropractor can help you with things like creating an ergonomic workstation and using proper posture to reduce pain and your risk of another pinched nerve in the future. They may also help you create an exercise plan to help with your pain.
What does a slipped disc feel like?
Pain is the most common symptom, and it can affect the extremities associated with the nerves the injured disc is irritating. Certain movements can increase pain. You might notice that it is worse at night. The pain can increase when you sit or stand for prolonged periods.
$79 New Patient Special
Includes 1:1 Consultation, Insurance Benefits Check, Neurological Evaluation, 30 Minutes with the Doctor to Go Over YOUR Findings, Health Care Done With You, Excellent Customer Service, Federal Discount Program, Understand the Cause of Your Health Problems, Family Member Evaluations ONLY $29 Per Person, Added Bonuses: Neck X-Ray (Value $207), Mid Back X-Ray (Value $121), Low Back X-Ray (Value $212), Ligament Exam (Value $147), Range of Motion Exam (Value $59), Bio Structural Exam (Value $50)