Treating L4, L5, S1 Disc Bulge/ Sciatica with Chiropractic Care - Dr. Slovin (2024)

FAQs

Can a chiropractor help a L4-L5 bulging disc? ›

Using cervical or lumbar traction machines can help to open the vertebral joints to relieve pressure off the disc, which allows for the bulge and herniation to go back to where it belongs. Chiropractic treatment used for bulging or herniated discs is a safe, effective, and long-lasting method for relief.

Most people feel significant relief within four to six weekly chiropractic adjustments. Although it may take a little time to regain full strength, most people can return to normal activities, including strenuous exercise, within about two months.

Treatment options for an L5-S1 disc bulge can include conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, medications, and injections like Image guided Interlaminar, Transforaminal and Caudal Epidural. In some cases, surgery may be considered if conservative treatments fail to provide relief.

Recovery from back pain related to L3-L4, L4-L5, or L5-S1 requires focused conservative treatments that fix and repair the injured or damaged areas. The best treatment for back pain and pain related to L5-S1 is a combination of physiotherapy with chiropractic.

On average, it can take anywhere from six weeks to several months for a chiropractor to fix a bulging disc. This time frame may vary depending on the factors mentioned above, as well as your response to treatment. The first step in treating a bulging disc is usually reducing inflammation and pain.

Treatment Goals: If your primary goal is pain management, a doctor can provide medication options alongside other therapies. If you're looking for a more holistic approach that addresses potential underlying causes and emphasizes long-term prevention, a chiropractic clinic might be a good fit.

Another reason you may feel worse after seeing a chiropractor is that your body is not used to the new alignment. It counts much for your body to adjust, leading to increased pain and discomfort. It is important to remember the long-term benefits of chiropractic care are worth it.

You can usually treat a mild case of sciatica yourself with a combination of heat, ice, over-the-counter pain medication, and stretching and strengthening exercises. For more severe pain, your doctor might recommend physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery.

How to decompress L4 and L5 at home? ›

Start by lying on the side of your body, either on a couch or bed, with your knees bent and your heels stacked. Dip your shins down, off of the couch or bed. This should provide a sensation of your pelvis dropping to one side and a lower back stretch. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds.

If you suffer from a spinal condition such as disc herniation or degeneration, spinal fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or other types of spinal injuries or pain, both a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor are equipped to treat these spinal conditions.

Going to a chiropractor for your bulging disc shouldn't be a problem and it's completely safe. Most patients who have received chiropractic care share that they've experienced immediate relief and comfort after their first session.

Engaging in high-impact activities: High-impact activities such as running, jumping, and contact sports can exacerbate L5-S1 disc problems. Instead, consider low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

If the L5-S1 herniated disc presses on the spinal cord or nerves, it can cause more severe symptoms such as: Loss of bowel or bladder control. Numbness in the groin or rectum. Sudden onset of weakness in the legs.

Lie on the back and hold both knees toward the chest. At the same time, move the head forward until there is a comfortable stretch across the mid and low back. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds. Repeat several times.

Low-impact movements, such as walking, swimming, using a stationary bike, and cycling, are ideal because they minimize the stress on the injured disc. Pay attention to your body's pain signals, and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen with rest and/or modified activity.

If your pain is mild to moderate, your health care professional might recommend nonprescription pain medicine. Options include acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Neuropathic drugs. These drugs affect nerve impulses to decrease pain.

While direct manual pressure to the spine is contraindicated, massaging the surrounding muscular tissues can ease the symptoms of a herniated or bulging disc.