Your spine consists of small bones called vertebrae, and within these small bones, runs the spinal cord and the many nerves that help the body function. Roots from these nerves split and travel in between the vertebrae into various parts of your body. When these nerves become pinched or damaged, radiating pain can occur – a common condition successfully treated at our St. Petersburg, FL chiropractic care center. Keep reading to learn more…

What is it? 

There are several medical terms commonly thrown around when discussing disc injuries with radiating pain. Here are the most common…

Pinched Nerve: A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by the surrounding tissues (bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons). For example, a herniated disc that puts pressure on a nerve root and results in pain that radiates down the back of your leg.

Radiculopathy: This term describes the range of symptoms (see below) produced by a pinched nerve in different areas of the spinal column (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar).

Sciatica: The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back to your hips and buttocks and down each leg. When pain radiates along the path of this nerve, it is called sciatica. The most common cause of this condition is when a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) compresses part of the nerve causing inflammation, pain, and/or numbness in the affected leg.  

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms differ depending on the location and severity of an injured disc. The most common include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Pain
• Weakness
• Reduced motor control
• Pain spreading down the legs

Is my arm or leg hurt or is it coming from the spine?

We get this question a lot at our St. Petersburg, FL chiropractic care center, but more often than not, the pain is associated with a disc injury. For example, issues with the neck and surrounding muscles can cause pain and/or numbness in the upper shoulder, mid-back, hands, forearms, or elbows. An issue with the lumbar spine can cause thigh, buttock, lower leg, and foot pain.

How can a disc injury be treated?

At Burghealth Chiropractic and Wellness, we heal disc injuries through conservative care using the following techniques: 

• Various types of adjustments
• Spinal distraction
• Class IV deep tissue laser
• Support to surrounding muscles through soft tissue care, electrical stimulation, and Kinesio-taping of the thoracolumbar spine.
• Various types of exercises in our state-of-the-art gym and rehab room

Treating Disc Injuries at Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness

Say goodbye to radiating pain! At Burghealth Chiropractic and Wellness, we have a proven track record of success in treating disc injuries and the pain that is associated with them. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (727) 289-9148.