Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc Care in Grand Junction, CO
A herniated disc is one specific disc finding among several. The label matters far less than what your symptoms and examination actually show.
Short answer
A herniated disc is one specific disc finding among several. The label matters far less than what your symptoms and examination actually show.
Understanding
What Herniated Disc Is
Each spinal disc has a firmer outer ring and a softer center. A herniation means part of that center has pushed through the outer ring, which can irritate nearby nerve tissue.
Imaging findings and symptoms do not always match. Plenty of people have disc findings on a scan without pain, and plenty of people have significant pain from findings that look modest.
Symptoms
What patients commonly describe
Pain that travels into an arm or leg
Numbness, tingling, or a burning line of symptoms
Pain that changes sharply with position, sitting, bending, coughing
Weakness in a specific muscle group
Back or neck pain that is worse in the morning or after long sitting
Contributors
What can contribute
Repetitive bending and lifting, especially with rotation
Long hours seated without position changes
A single loading event, a fall, a lift, a collision
Age-related changes in disc hydration
Deconditioning of the muscles that support the spine
When to be seen
Signs that warrant prompt evaluation
Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly progressing weakness calls for immediate medical attention rather than a chiropractic appointment.
Our approach
How this is evaluated and cared for here
Care follows the examination. Nothing on this page is a treatment recommendation for your case.
Evaluation begins with a consultation and examination, including orthopedic and neurological testing, to determine which level is involved and whether nerve tissue is affected.
Digital X-ray is used when the history and examination suggest imaging would change the plan. Existing MRI or CT reports are reviewed when you bring them.
Depending on the findings, care may combine chiropractic adjustments, non-surgical spinal decompression, and soft tissue work, or a referral, when the picture calls for it.
Meet your chiropractor
Meet Dr. Dean Younker
Dr. Dean Younker took over Peak Performance in 1997 and has cared for patients in Grand Junction ever since. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Colorado and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City. He is a member of the Colorado Chiropractic Association and the Grand Junction Chiropractor Association.
“Because no two patients are the same, here at Peak Performance, we take the time to listen to each patient. We then develop a personalized treatment plan. Our promise is to help you live your life better.”
FAQ
Common Questions
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Many disc problems improve with conservative care over time. Whether yours is likely to depends on your examination findings, not on averages.
Do I need an MRI first?
Not always. Advanced imaging is recommended when the examination suggests it will change what is done. Bring any imaging you already have.
Is adjusting safe with a disc herniation?
The technique is chosen to fit the finding. Several methods used in this office are specifically low-force, and decompression is an option when direct adjusting is not appropriate.
How long will this take?
That follows from your findings and your response to the first phase of care, which is why no timeline is promised before the examination.
Medical disclaimer
This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary from person to person and no outcome is guaranteed. Always speak with a qualified provider about your own situation, and call 911 for a medical emergency.
Next step
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