A herniated disc can lead to more than just discomfort – left untreated, it can have significant and lasting effects on your overall health. This condition, when ignored or improperly managed, can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, mobility issues, and even permanent nerve damage. The longer a herniated disc remains untreated, the higher the risk of developing complications that can severely impact your quality of life. Let’s explore the long-term effects of an untreated herniated disc and effective treatment options to prevent more serious health concerns down the road!
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when one of the rubbery cushions (discs) between the vertebrae in your spine ruptures or slips out of place. These discs act as shock absorbers, but aging, wear, poor posture, or injury can weaken them, causing the jelly-like center (nucleus) to bulge or leak. When this happens, it can put pressure on nearby nerves in the neck and back, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, backs, hips, thighs, legs and or feet. A disc bulge refers to a slight outpouching of the disc, while a herniated disc involves the nucleus leaking out and pressing on the nerves.
6 Long-term Effects of an Untreated Herniated Disc
When a herniated disc is left untreated, it can result in a range of long-term effects that significantly impact your health and mobility, including:
1. Chronic Pain
Constant neck or back pain can continue for months or even years, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. Simple activities like sitting at a desk, lifting objects, or even sleeping can become painful challenges, affecting your ability to enjoy daily life.
2. Nerve Damage
If the herniated disc continues to press on the nearby nerves, it can cause permanent nerve damage. This can lead to persistent numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms, hands, fingers, hips, thighs and legs, which can interfere with basic tasks and overall function.
3. Loss of Mobility
A herniated disc in the neck can limit your range of motion, making even simple movements, like turning your head or looking over your shoulder, difficult or painful. This restriction in mobility can also interfere with physical activities like exercising or driving.
4. Muscle Weakness
Nerve compression due to a herniated disc can result in muscle weakness, particularly in the arms, hands, thighs and legs. This can make it hard to grip objects, perform delicate tasks, or engage in activities that require walking, climbing, lifting, hand strength or dexterity.
5. Impact on Mental Health
The ongoing pain and physical limitations caused by a herniated disc can take a significant toll on your mental well-being. The constant discomfort, coupled with the frustration of restricted mobility, can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression over time.
6. Decreased Quality of Life
As the herniated disc continues to worsen, it can severely impact your quality of life. Physical discomfort, along with limited mobility, can cause missed workdays, social isolation, and an inability to enjoy activities that once brought joy.
Top Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
Selecting the right treatment plan for healing a herniated disc will depend on the severity of the herniation, symptoms, and one’s overall health. While it’s best to consult with a professional to develop a personalized treatment plan, here are the most common treatment options:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option that can be highly effective for a herniated disc, especially when spinal alignment is the underlying issue. Through gentle spinal adjustments, a skilled chiropractor can help restore proper alignment, improve neck movement, and reduce pressure on the nerves caused by the herniated disc. This approach can provide significant relief from pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility while promoting the body’s natural healing process.
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use additional therapies to treat a herniated disc, like lumbar adjustments, spinal traction and decompression, functional exercises, and massage therapy–which can help realign the spine and alleviate pressure on the affected discs.
Tailored exercises and stretches can strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns, which are crucial for overall spinal health. Dr Levi tailors a treatment course that typically targets the affected area to reduce pressure on the spine, alleviate pain, and improve function. These exercises help correct imbalances and improve posture, which can prevent further strain on the neck and back. By focusing on both strengthening and stretching, physio therapy can support long-term recovery and help prevent the recurrence of injury or discomfort.
Medications
In cases of pain and inflammation, medications can be an effective part of treatment for a herniated disc. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are often recommended to reduce swelling and relieve pain. For muscle spasms or stiffness, muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help alleviate discomfort. It’s important to note that while medications can provide relief, they typically serve as a short-term solution and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, like chiropractic care to address the root cause of the pain.
Herniated Disc Treatment in Maryland
Suffering from a herniated disc? Chiropractic treatment can significantly reduce pain and bring your body back to life! Dr. Levi has more than 30 years of experience and success in treating these and all musculoskeletal conditions without drugs or surgery. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Levi to explore how we can help!