Disc Herniation

While there’s no such thing as a “slipped” disc, problems with discs are very real. Disc herniations are one of the most common conditions we help our patients with at Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation. The term “herniation” applies to a more severe level of disc damage. Other terms that you may hear include:

• Disc protrusion / Disc bulge: This is a common finding, which may or may not be
  symptomatic. It is the initial stage of disc damage where a small portion of the disc material has begun to break through the walls that hold the disc in place. On an MRI, this appears as a small bulge.
• Disc extrusion / Disc herniation: This occurs when the bulge becomes large enough
  that a substantial amount of disc material breaks through the disc wall. It is a more complicated degree of damage, and usually results in nerve pain down one or both legs, numbness, and weakness.

Chiropractic First

Chiropractic is a remarkably effective and natural solution that can address a variety of disc problems. We offer a comprehensive approach to improving disc problems.

Education: Education is at the forefront of our care plans when it comes to disc herniations because these conditions are very easily aggravated, and we want you to understand the mechanisms involved so you can minimize future bouts of pain. We teach our patients how to move without pain so they can continue to enjoy their lives.

McKenzie Approach: This is a specific technique used to relieve pain and recover from disc herniations. It involves certain movements and stretches that help alleviate pressure on the herniated disc.

Manual therapy: Most people with disc problems compensate in the way they move, and this can often result in pain. Manual therapies offered by our chiropractors or physiotherapists can help relieve the pain from compensating in your movements.

Rehabilitation: We focus on strengthening the supporting tissues of the spine and improving range of motion for the activities needed in your job or responsibilities. For example, for patients with young kids, we will focus on learning how to pick children up from the ground, squatting, etc.

MRI

In some cases, we may require an MRI to assess whether your injury requires a surgical consultation, pain medication or injections. Our nurse practitioner can immediately refer for an MRI or consult if needed, which can help you get seen much more quickly than waiting for a hospital or doctor referral.
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Disc Herniation in Alta Vista, Ottawa ON | (613) 728-9414