Chiropractic for Herniated Discs

A herniated disk is a condition where the outer portion of the vertebral disc is torn, enabling the inner portion to extrude through the fibers. When discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine, keeping the spine flexible, but when a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break open. For the best treatment, Dr. Sophia Argeropoulos, a chiropractor in Port Jefferson, will be able to give you the best treatment!

A herniated disc may be caused by:

• Wear and tear of the disc
• • • As you age, discs tend to dry out and become less flexible.
• Injury to the spine
• • This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. This forces the thick gel inside the disc out through the tears or cracks, resulting in the disc bulging or breaking open.

Symptoms

• A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves resulting in:
  • Pain, tingling, or numbness in the arm or leg.
• Weakness
  • Muscles by the affected nerves tend to weaken which may affect your balance or impair your ability to lift or hold things.

• You may experience:
  • Dull or sharp pain
  • Muscle spasm
  • Cramping
  • Sciatica
  • Leg weakness or loss of leg function

• Sneezing, coughing, or bending can intensify pain.

Our experienced chiropractor in Port Jefferson, Dr. Sophia Argeropoulos, can help ease your symptoms by performing spinal manipulation. She will even teach you proper lifting techniques, which helps prevent excessive wear and tear on the discs.

We will go through your medical history and do a physical exam. We will then ask:

• Are the reflexes intact?  That is: are your nerves sending messages correctly? An example of testing reflexes is the classic reflex test where the doctor taps your knee with a small hammer.
• Is there a loss of muscle strength or signs of muscle wasting?
• Is there a loss of sensation along the path of a nerve?

To help prevent a herniated disk, we recommend:

• Exercise
  • Strengthening muscles helps with spine stability and support.
• Maintain good posture
  • Good posture reduces the pressure on your spine and discs.
  • Keep your back straight and aligned, especially when sitting for long periods of time.
  • Lift heavy objects properly by using your legs. Don’t add pressure to your back.
• Maintain a healthy weight
  • Excess weight leads to more pressure on the spine and discs, increasing the risk of getting a herniated disc.

Let Dr. Sophia Argeropoulos help you feel like your old self again; make your appointment at Port Jefferson Chiropractic today! Call (631) 473-8182