Herniated Disc Specialist in Pittsburgh PA

Spinal discs sit between your vertebrae and allow your spine to move with flexibility; yet when one of these discs herniates, it can lead to debilitating pain. Dr. Justin Foltz can diagnose, relieve, and help prevent herniated discs in Pittsburgh PA, eliminating your pain and improving your symptoms. Dr. Foltz takes a short-term, holistic approach to spinal rehabilitation and healing your injured discs. If you live in or near Pittsburgh PA, call Pittsburgh Physical Medicine, or use our online booking agent to schedule your appointment.

Herniated Disc Q & A

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a disc found between your spinal vertebrae that has moved from its natural position. It may bulge out, and its outer layer can rupture, allowing the jelly-like inner substance, which provides cushioning for your spine, to seep out slowly.

Slipped discs can put pressure on the nerves in your spinal column, and it may lead to mild or debilitating symptoms. You may experience:

• Pain in your back, arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness

What causes herniated discs?

Most herniated discs result from normal aging and wear-and-tear on the spine. Because your spinal discs dehydrate as you age, they lose their flexibility and can even shrink in size. These changes make them more likely to slip, tear, or rupture, especially with spinal twists and strains.

Your herniated discs may come from working on your feet or bad posture, with no specific incident that caused your pain. Other times, the herniated disc happened when you lift something too heavy or move oddly, twisting your spine out of position.

How do you correct herniated discs?

To correct your herniated disc, Dr. Foltz creates a short-term care plan to address your pain. This may include:

• Therapeutic exercises: Dr. Foltz may have you do exercises that build strength and help your herniated disc return to its normal position
• Stretching: He may show you stretches to incorporate into your daily routine that can help your spine stay long, reducing the risk of herniated discs
• Trigger point therapy: Deep manipulation and massage can reduce certain types of pain caused by herniated discs
• Chiropractic manipulation: Your chiropractor may manipulate or adjust your spine to improve its alignment, allowing the disc to slip back into place
• Cox® Technic: Using a specialized table, Dr. Foltz uses flexion and distraction to decrease pressure on your herniated discs, restoring spinal alignment
• Gua sha/Graston technique: Dr. Foltz may use Gua sha, also known as the Graston technique, to increase blood flow by creating minor inflammation, spurring your body’s healing powers

If you think you may have a herniated disc and you live in or near Pittsburgh PA, it’s time to call Dr. Foltz’s office. You can even book your appointment online.