Our Chiropractor, Dr. Christopher Frey, in Fairfax Answers Your Herniated Disc FAQs

People talk about pain from herniated discs all the time. What exactly is a herniated disc, and is it the same thing as a bulging or slipped disc? At Circle Chiropractic Center in Fairfax, VA, our chiropractor,  Dr. Christopher Frey, is happy to answer these questions and more.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc happens when the tough outer layer of a spinal disc rips. This permits the disc's inner gel fluid to leak out into the surrounding area, causing inflammation and irritation. It's similar to a bulging disc, which happens when the inner portion of a disc pushes outward but doesn't leak out through the disc's outer layer.

The other main type of disc problem is degenerative disc disease, which is gradual wearing and thinning down of a disc over time. There's actually no such thing as a "slipped" disc.

What Are Herniated Disc Signs and Symptoms?

If a disc herniates, the signs and symptoms depend on how and where the injury occurs (e.g, cervical vs. lumbar spine). Common herniated disc signs and symptoms include:

• Numbness, pain, weakness, and tingling in a limb (when the injured disc encroaches on a nearby spinal nerve root that innervates an arm or leg)
• Spinal stiffness and muscle spasms at the level of the herniated disc

Herniated discs are often caused by advancing age, repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting, or physical trauma.

How Can Dr. Frey Treat Herniated Discs?

As a chiropractor in Fairfax, Dr. Christopher Frey offers a variety of services to treat herniated discs, and it's usually best to explore non-invasive techniques first. He can help you with services like:

• Spinal decompression and traction
• Cold laser therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Corrective exercises

When applied in a customized approach, these techniques improve spinal disc healing and alignment, alleviate pain and other symptoms, and help you avoid recurring problems.

Ready for Relief from a Herniated Disc?

Contact Circle Chiropractic Center at (703) 385-2990 if you live near Fairfax, VA, and would like to start your natural healing journey.