Spine condition · Canton, OH
Spinal disc injury treatment in Canton, OH
A spinal disc injury is damage to one of the cushions between the vertebrae, such as a bulging or herniated disc. It can cause back or neck pain, muscle spasm and pain that travels into an arm or leg. At Belden Village Chiropractic in Canton, care starts with an exam.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Non-surgical care
- Massage therapy on site
Spinal disc injury at a glance
| Also called | Disc injury, slipped disc, bulging or herniated disc |
|---|---|
| Body area | Neck, mid-back or low back, sometimes the arms or legs |
| Structures involved | Intervertebral discs (soft center, tough outer ring), nearby nerves and spinal joints |
| Common symptoms | Back or neck pain, muscle spasm, pain, numbness or tingling into an arm or leg, weakness |
| Common causes | Car accidents, slips and falls, lifting and twisting, repeated strain, age-related disc wear |
| How we evaluate | Health history, spine and neurological exam, movement assessment, imaging if needed |
| Care options | Chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, physical rehabilitation, massage therapy |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
What is a spinal disc injury?
A spinal disc injury happens when one of the discs between the vertebrae is strained, bulges past its normal edge or tears so that its soft center pushes out. An injured disc can hurt on its own or press on a nearby nerve.
Each disc has a gel-like center and a tough outer ring. Discs cushion the spine, absorb shock and let the vertebrae move. Disc injuries can happen in the neck (cervical), mid-back (thoracic) or low back (lumbar), though the neck and low back are most common.
Disc injuries range from a mild bulge to a herniation where disc material moves out of place, so care starts with a full exam to find the type and source.
Spinal disc injury symptoms and causes
What does a disc injury feel like?
Symptoms depend on where the disc is and whether it presses on a nerve.
- Back or neck pain that may be sharp or a deep ache
- Muscle spasm or tightness near the injured area
- Pain that travels into the buttock and leg, or the shoulder and arm
- Numbness or tingling in an arm, hand, leg or foot
- Weakness in the muscles of an arm or leg
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
What causes a spinal disc injury?
Disc injuries can follow a single event or build up over time.
- Car accidents and other sudden jolts to the spine
- Slips and falls
- Lifting, especially while bending and twisting
- Repeated strain from work, sports or long hours of sitting
- Age-related wear that makes discs less flexible
- Risk factors: heavy physical work, smoking, extra body weight, a past back or neck injury
Which disc problem is it?
Disc problems have overlapping names and symptoms, and more than one can be present. Your exam and any imaging help sort out the cause.
| Feature | Bulging disc | Herniated disc | Degenerative disc disease |
|---|---|---|---|
| What happens | The disc spreads past its normal edge, but the outer ring stays intact | The outer ring tears and some of the soft center pushes out | Discs slowly lose water and height with age and wear |
| Typical onset | Often gradual, from strain over time | Often sudden, after lifting, a fall or an accident | Gradual, over months or years |
| Common signs | Local pain and stiffness; nerve symptoms if it presses on a nerve | Pain, numbness or tingling traveling into an arm or leg | Ongoing ache that flares with activity or long sitting |
Get emergency care right away if
- Pain started after a serious fall, car crash or other major injury
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- You have new or worsening weakness in your arms or legs, or trouble walking
- Back or neck pain comes with fever, chills or unexplained weight loss
- Pain is severe and does not ease with rest or a change in position
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for a disc injury
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any imaging reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask how the injury happened and what makes the pain worse, then check your spine movement, posture, reflexes, strength and sensation.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Spinal disc injury care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the spinal joints near the injured disc move.
- Spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretching of the neck or low back that may ease pressure on discs and nerves.
- Physical rehabilitation Exercises to strengthen the core and the muscles that support the spine, plus safe lifting and posture habits.
- Massage therapy Hands-on work to relax muscles that tighten or spasm around an injured disc.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Back or neck pain after a fall, lift or accident?
Your spinal disc injury care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Spinal disc injury questions we hear in Canton
Chiropractic care is a common conservative option for many disc injuries. We review your history and exam first, choose gentle techniques that fit your injury, and refer you to a physician if we find signs that need other care.
Many people with disc injuries improve with non-surgical care. Surgery is usually considered when there is serious nerve compression, worsening weakness or pain that does not improve with conservative care. Your provider will tell you if a surgical consult makes sense.
Slipped disc is a common name for a disc injury. Discs do not actually slip out of place. The term usually means a bulging or herniated disc, which your exam and imaging can help tell apart.
Yes. The sudden force of a crash can strain or tear a disc in the neck or low back. Symptoms may show up right away or over the next few days, so get checked after any accident.
[Confirm referral wording with practice] Imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed, such as after a major injury or when nerve symptoms are present. An MRI shows the discs best.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats spinal disc injuries at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your disc pain
Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.