Whether you simply love to play a particular sport or you compete in that endeavor on a serious level, a herniated disc can banish you to the bench for quite some time. This form of damage to the cartilaginous discs that cushion the spinal vertebrae can cause serious pain as well as many other disabling neurological problems. Fortunately, you can get back in the game with the aid of Chiropractic, Spinal Decompression, Regenerative Medicine therapies at Lifestyle Rejuvenation Medical Group.
How Athletes Get Herniated Discs
The discs that separate your vertebrae and protect them against everyday stress consists of two layers -- an inner gelatinous layer called the nucleus, and a disc-shaped outer fibrous "container" called the annulus. When a small area of the annulus sustains damage or grows weak, it may bulge out of the spinal column until it ruptures, allowing some of the nucleus to escape. This problem, a herniated disc, can pinche surrounding nerve tissue, producing pain, weakness, tingling, and other problems in the arms or legs.
While anyone can get a herniated disc due to spinal misalignment, obesity, or acute injury, athletes may be especially prone to them. Football players, for instance, may lead with their heads, making them vulnerable to herniated cervical discs. Other athletes who place their lower backs under severe stress may develop herniated lumbar discs.
Some of the most common disc injuries we have successfully treated in our Houston clinic, include:
- Bulging Disc: A disc bulge occurs when the disc’s outer layer weakens, causing it to protrude. This can lead to localized pain and discomfort.
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc involves the inner core of the disc protruding through the outer layer, potentially compressing nearby nerves and causing intense pain and radiating symptoms.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, discs can naturally wear down, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
- Annular Tear: An annular tear refers to a tear in the outer layer of the disc, often causing localized pain and inflammation.
- Prolapsed Disc: This occurs when a disc’s inner core bulges significantly, potentially compressing spinal nerves and causing pain and weakness.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy offers a non-surgical method for shifting herniated discs back into position, removing nerve pressure, and relieving symptoms. Lifestyle Rejuvenation Medical Group uses an advanced, automated traction machine that gently stretches your spine. As this treatment pulls vertebrae away from each other, it creates a vacuum in the intervertebral space. This vacuum pulls the herniated disc back into its usual spot.
Spinal decompression requires no special preparation on your part. Once your strapped into the machine, all you have to do is relax while the session proceeds. The treatment causes no pain and requires no downtime afterward. You may need repeated spinal decompression treatment sessions to get the full benefits from this form of care. We may also recommend other helpful measures such as manual spinal adjustment, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes that promote weight loss.
Treating Severe Disc-Related Injuries with Regenerative Medicine
For more severe disc injuries or when conservative treatments are insufficient, our medical team offers regenerative medicine treatments.
Regenerative medicine focuses on harnessing the body’s innate healing abilities to repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote natural recovery.
The regenerative medicine treatments we offer include:
- Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCTP'S) Injections: This innovative therapy uses cellular tissue derived from donated umbilical cord tissue. These injections contain growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive substances that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal healing in the affected discs.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves the extraction and concentration of your blood’s platelets, rich in growth factors. When injected into the damaged discs, it stimulates tissue repair and regeneration, offering accelerated healing and pain reduction.
Contact Lifestyle Rejuvenation Medical Group today!
By choosing the right treatment option, individuals with disc injuries can embark on a journey toward lasting relief and improved spinal health.
This Holistic approach provides hope for those who wish to avoid surgery or reduce their reliance on pain medications while addressing the root causes of their pain and discomfort.
If you are grappling with a herniated disc, disc bulge, or any other disc-related injury, we have the expertise and treatments to help you regain your quality of life. Don’t let disc injuries control your well-being.
Contact us (773) 667-9053 to learn more about spinal decompression.