Common Signs of Bulging Disc in Columbia MO?

Oh, the pain! Approximately 80% of the population in the US will experience back pain at some point in their lives. If you're one of the lucky few, congratulations. But if you are one of the majority of Americans who experience pain, you're probably looking for ways to avoid it. One common reason for back pain is a slipped, or herniated, disc. The spine is made up of a series of bones with discs in between them for cushioning. If the disc begins to bulge out of place it can put pressure on muscles and nerves where it doesn't belong - causing pain. Are you wondering if your back pain could be attributed to this problem? Check out these 5 signs of a bulging disc in Columbia MO.

5 common signs of a bulging disc in Columbia MO

1. Lower Body Pain - Your back isn't the only thing that can bother you if you have a bulging disc. Your lower body may also be getting in on the action. You may experience shooting pain down the back of your legs. Moving will probably aggravate it, but so does sitting so there doesn't seem to be a way to avoid it. You might even notice numbness in your feet. The pressure on a bulging disc will cause the gel-like substance that provides the cushioning effect to leak. This then aggravates the nerves around the spinal column, which in turn causes the pain you feel in your legs.
2. Numbness - In some cases, the numbness can be worse. The nerve may be pinched. This can prevent nerve impulses from sending messages correctly, leading to a loss of feeling.
3. Muscle Weakness or Spasms - Alternatively, you may feel weakness in your muscles. Standing or walking can become difficult or painful. Some people even experience muscle spasms. If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
4. Burning or Tingling in Extremities - Sometimes, particularly if the bulging disc is only slightly out of place, you may not feel too much pain. You may notice, however, a burning or tingling sensation in your fingers or toes.
5. Loss of Bladder Control - A bulging disc can also put pressure on the nerves that control your bladder. If this happens you may find yourself in an embarrassing situation. More serious than that, however, is the fact that this is a symptom of a more serious problem. If you find yourself at this stage, seek medical help immediately.

Are you experiencing any of these signs of a bulging disc? If you are, it's time to seek help. An experienced chiropractor can help guide your spine back into alignment. This will relieve the pressure that is causing your bulging disc. Once things are back where they belong, the pain will be gone in no time.

To get in touch with a chiropractor in Columbia, MO, don't hesitate to reach out today. The only thing you have to lose is your back pain!