The bones that make up your spine are cushioned by discs, which have a rubbery texture capable of absorbing shock. Problems occur when the center of the disc pushes out of the tougher exterior, which is known as a herniated disc. Treatments are effective at addressing disc herniation, but you must know what to look for. Here are a few signs that you should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor as soon as possible. 

How to Identify a Rupture Spinal Disc

1. Lower Back Pain

While disc herniation can occur anywhere on the spine, it's most common in the lower back. The lower back is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially when it comes to overuse. It can also be affected by your sitting and standing posture, which can put pressure on the back and detract from the health of your spine. When it accompanies disc rupture, back pain may be most pronounced after remaining in the same position for an extended period. It can also occur when you're walking or when you perform certain maneuvers. 

2. Numbness and Tingling

Pain in the extremities can also occur with a slipped disc, as can a sensation of numbness and tingling. This is caused by nerve compression in the spine, as the bulging disc may be putting pressure on nearby nerves. In this case, you may only experience issues on one side of the body depending on which nerves are impacted. However, it's not uncommon to experience numbness in multiple areas, such as the arms, legs, hands, and feet. 

3. Weakness in the Muscles

Nerve issues also affect the function of your muscles by causing weakness in the arms and legs. You may find it difficult to grip items, or find that you're unable to lift heavy objects like you used to. Muscle weakness can also alter your mobility when walking or running. It's crucial that you have any muscle weakness assessed by a doctor as soon as it happens. The sooner you receive treatment, the faster these symptoms can be relieved. 

If you're experiencing the above symptoms in Florence, KY and want to get to the bottom of the issue, turn to the team of chiropractors at Back to Health Chiropractic. They have experience treating a wide range of ailments, including herniated discs. They can address acute injuries and chronic pain conditions, as well as dysfunction in other body parts, including shoulders and knees. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (859) 746-2222 to schedule an appointment today.