Ann Arbor Institute for Spinal Care | Practice Brochure

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Disc Herniation, Plymouth, Michigan

If you are suffering from pain, numbness and weakness due to a disc herniation, you need to call Dr. Jon Grenillo, D.C. of Plymouth, Michigan.

A disc herniation is a result of when the disc in your spine becomes damaged, and they begin to bulge or tear open. Disc herniations are also referred to as slipped or ruptured discs. There is no limitation within the spinal column to where you may have a disc herniation occur. The most common place that is affected is in the lower back. Sometimes you may have a disc herniation in the neck, and maybe even in the upper back. Having a disc herniation in the upper back is the least common type seen.

There are two main causes of a disc herniation are:

- Normal Wear and Tear. As you become older, the discs in your back dry out and they lose their ability to be flexible.
- Injuries of the spine may cause tears or cracks in the solid outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the disc may start bulging, breaking open or into pieces.

When disc herniation starts pressing on nerves, you will begin to suffer from back pain, notice a lack of sensation, and weakness. How much and if you feel weakness will depend on what part of the body the nerve is located that is being pinched. For example if the disc herniation is in your back, you will feel pain and have a lack of feeling going down your leg.

There are various treatments that you can receive:

- If the pain is intolerable, then bed rest may be necessary.
- Place an ice pack where you are feeling the pain for about 10 and 15 minutes, 3 times a day. Make sure you have something between your skin and the ice pack.
- Medication will not heal the disc herniation, but it will assist with the discomfort.

If you are in Plymouth, Michigan and you are dealing with back pain associated with a disc herniation, then you need to arrange a time to see Dr. Grenillo at Ann Arbor Institute for Spinal Care and receive the correct advice for the best treatment for your disc herniation.