A herniated disc is one of the many potential causes of back pain, so the short answer to the question posed by the title of this article is yes. It is possible, and perhaps even likely, that it is the root cause of your back pain.
Before we talk about possible treatment options, it’s important to understand exactly what a herniated disc is.
The discs in your spine are made up of two primary components. An outer layer, called the annulus fibrosus, and an inner layer, which is of a spongey consistency, called the nucleus pulposus.
If the outer layer becomes damaged due to a fall or other trauma, it can crack. If it cracks, then the spongey/gelatinous center behaves as all liquids and semi-liquids do, and it will flow out of the crack.
This reduces the space between one disc and the next, which means that your vertebrae are no longer properly cushioned, and that’s what leads to back pain.
The only way to be sure if this is the root cause of your pain, of course, is to have a spinal exam conducted by your chiropractor.
In most cases, a herniated disc can be treated with regular chiropractic care, which involves periodic spinal adjustments. In some cases, however, other forms of treatment may be necessary.
Symptomatically, the two things you should be on the lookout for are incontinence, and problems with your reflexes or other motor functions. These symptoms indicate that the problem may have progressed beyond what chiropractic care can fix, and surgery or other treatment options may be necessary at that point.
The worst thing you can do is leave the condition untreated, as this can cause it to worsen and lead to other conditions like sciatica. If you’re currently experiencing back pain, it’s important that you take action right away!
