One of the most common causes of back pain is a herniated disc, also referred to as a protruding, bulging, or ruptured disc. It occurs when the center of a vertebral disc known as the nucleus protrudes through the disc’s outer ring, known as the annulus. If the disc protrudes enough to press on the nerve root associated with the disc (L3/L4/L5, etc.), it may lead to symptoms that radiate down the leg, such as pain, burning, numbness, tingling.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is typically the result of normal, age-related wear on the spine, known as disc degeneration. Discs are high in water content, especially for young people. The water content of the discs decreases with age and makes them less flexible. As the disc shrinks, the space between the vertebrae gets narrower. The normal aging process makes a disc more susceptible to herniation. Other factors that put you at risk include a sedentary lifestyle, frequent driving, weight, poor nutrition, and activities that strain your spine, such as improper lifting or sports.
Symptoms of Disc Herniation
In severe cases, foot drops may occur. Symptoms typically increase with forward flexion, prolonged sitting, and long walks. Your symptoms may include:
- Sciatica is the most common symptom, a painful shooting sensation that radiates from the buttock down the leg. The pressure on the spinal nerve can also cause leg or foot discomfort.
- Numbness or tingling from your disc pressing against the nerves in your spine and around your lower back, causing discomfort and pain.
- Muscle weakness from the interconnected muscles and nerves, a herniated disc can cause balance problems or reduce your strength or grip.
Matterhorn Fit’s Non-Invasive Approach to Herniated Disc Pain-Relief
Our evidence-based personalized programs treat injuries, chronic pain, and movement dysfunction at the neurological level. We use the best rehabilitation techniques, neurological movement training, and recovery modalities. More than 94% of our clients have experienced a significant reduction in pain within the first two weeks. The key to our client’s success is our holistic full-body approach, which identifies the root cause of pain instead of treating the symptoms with medications. When we think about herniated disks, we address the body parts that contribute to compression in the spine. We use the following steps to put the “shock absorbers” back into your system so that you can create space in the spine.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE (INITIAL EVALUATION)
Our brain-based diagnostic tools identify where the root cause of pain and compensation is in your system.
STEP 2: RE-EDUCATE THE CORRECT NEUROLOGICAL PATTERNS
We unlock the compensation in your body by reconnecting the neuromuscular pathways that have been “shut down” as a function of your brain trying to protect the injured area.
STEP 3: REINFORCE THROUGH MOVEMENT
We implement our proprietary movement protocols that are designed to strengthen and reinforce your neurological patterns so that your problem is eliminated.
Herniated Disc Treatment Fort Myers
Located in Naples and Bonita Springs, Florida, Matterhorn Fit is the leading pain relief and fitness center focusing on individualized treatment for chronic pain relief, rehabilitation, and personal training. Visit Matterhorn Fit today for your first 1-hour initial evaluation. During your first visit, our team will develop a personalized care plan based on a whole-body approach. Matterhorn Fit restores our client’s hope in their health and wellness journey while maximizing their quality of life physically and mentally.
