About Herniated Discs & how we can help
Lumbar disc herniation is the most common diagnosis among the degenerative abnormalities of the lumbar spine affecting 2-3% of the population according to the NIH. Whereas herniations in the neck can occur in up to 20 cases per 1000 adults every year per the Colorado Springs Neurological associates. You’ve come to the right place if you’re checking out Holistic Health & Chiropractic of Frankfort.
What is a Spinal Disc?
Spinal disc injuries are a major issue in the population. For many people it can literally bring a person to their knees. But what is a disc and how does it herniate or bulge? (For the sake of this conversation we will use the term herniation and bulge to mean the same thing although there are differences between the two.)
A spinal disc is a round piece of cartilage that sits between two vertebra and acts like a spacer for the bones and a cushion for the weight distributed through the spine. There are two parts to it; the outer ring is made of cartilage, and it has an inner core that is a gelatinous center. Think of a lumbar disc like a jelly donut.
There can be a direct injury to the disc from a specific trauma or repeated trauma from the vertebra being misaligned and causing abnormal pressures on the disc which then wear out. When injured, the inner core (the jelly) can start to leak out of the donut. It starts small at first (disc bulge) but can get larger with time, and deterioration, and further injury (disc herniation).
How We Treat Disc Injuries
The treatment for both cervical and lumbar disc issues is very similar. It consists of two parts.
Part one is to decompress the area by methods such as traction. For cervical traction, there are different types that help reduce the pressure on the disc as well as restore the normal curve into the neck.
The doctor uses a table that is specifically designed to decompress lumbar disc issues and by doing so provide relief and help the lumbar disc heal.
Find out the 5 dos and don’ts for lower back pain here.
Part two is to realign the vertebra above and below the disc injury to restore balanced weight distribution through the joints and disc.
How We Can Help
Fortunately, people who suffer from disc bulges and herniations are in the right place when they seek care from Dr. Jon K. Heyer at Holistic Health & Chiropractic of Frankfort. He has equipment specifically designed to help these people get better. In fact, many patients with disc issues who were told they would need surgery sought care from Dr. Heyer and because of his specialized equipment and protocols, he helped them get better and never needed the surgery after all.
Holistic Health & Chiropractic Care in Frankfort, IL
Ready to find relief for your herniated disc?
Tired of dealing with constant herniated disc pain? At Holistic Health & Chiropractic of Frankfort, we specialize in addressing the root causes of herniated discs and disc bulges, providing personalized care to help you find lasting relief. Our expert chiropractor, Dr. Jon K. Heyer, D.C., is here to help. Discover the difference chiropractic care can make in your life.
Our chiropractor can help today! Call us to schedule an appointment at: (815) 469-7472
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Frequently Asked Questions about herniated discs & disc bulges
A bulge is when the inner core of the vertebra is slightly protruding. Whereas a herniated disc is when a lot of the inner core of the vertebra is protruding. An untreated bulging disc can then lead to a herniated disc.
It truly depends on the person. Some people don’t experience any symptoms, while others experience extreme pain. There can be pinching of the nerves, which leads to tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the legs, or even the arms (cervical radiculopathy).
Many different things can cause a herniated disc, but the most common are frequent trauma, sudden impact on the spine, or repetitive poor body mechanics causing wear and tear.
Best efforts to prevent a herniated disc is to practice proper lifting techniques & use of body mechanics.
Fortunately, yes, through proper techniques like flexion distraction & supportive exercises to stabilize the core.
Services & Techniques
Our Other Services
At Holistic Health & Chiropractic of Frankfort, we take great pride in providing the finest chiropractic wellness care to our patients. Here is a sampling of the different chiropractic services we offer in our FRANKFORT office.
Holistic Health & Chiropractic of Frankfort
| Monday | 9:00 - 1:00 | 3:00 - 6:00 |
| Tuesday | Closed | 3:00 - 6:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:00 - 1:00 | 3:00 - 6:00 |
| Thursday | 9:00 - 1:00 | 3:00 - 6:00 |
| Friday | Closed | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:00 - 1:00 | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |