Herniated Disc or Swollen Disc

The spinal column is comprised of 33 vertebrae that are separated by discs. These discs make the spine able to bend and move. Discs are sandwiched between the spinal bones and look like a dart board or target with several concentric rings of ligaments surrounding a hard ball in the center called the nucleus. These rings of ligaments are filled with a gel between each ring and attach to the spinal bones above and below each disc. 

The ball in the center acts like a ball bearing for each spinal bone to tilt and move. When these rings of ligaments become over-stressed or injured the disc becomes swollen and painful. Without proper diagnosis and treatment this can become a recurring problem with more and more damage to your discs. With this cumulative damage, the disc can start to bulge and even herniate. This can cause referred pain, trouble sleeping, morning back pain, numbness, tingling, Sciatica and muscle weakness, among other symptoms. Moreover, these symptoms are not always immediate, which can make the condition difficult to self-diagnose. After a thorough evaluation, our providers will use proven effective practices to treat your Herniated or Swollen Discs.

Often referred to as slipped discs or ruptured discs, herniated or swollen discs can affect both the cervical (neck) and lumbar (back) regions of the spine and can arise from multiple causes including degenerative disease, trauma to the back or neck, sports injuries, and improper bending or lifting. People injured in auto accidents or with physically-demanding jobs commonly experience this type of injury. If you suspect that you might have Herniated or Swollen Discs, visit our office in Williamston for the help you need.

Herniated Disc Treatment in Williamston

Because different cases respond better to different treatment modalities, Palmetto Family Medical Group offers an array of options for treating Herniated Discs. Treatment plans for this condition commonly include a combination of:

• Spinal Traction
• Physiotherapy
• Spinal Adjustments
• Therapeutic Exercises

Our providers use patient feedback to adjust treatment plans and accommodate patients with specific requests. Health insurance and Medicare cover most of the services mentioned above, while others are available at the self-pay rate. We also offer free consultations for some services. 

Call 864-847-1818 with questions or to schedule an appointment at Palmetto Family Medical Group. You can also visit our Services and Conditions pages for more information on treatment at Palmetto Family Medical Group.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know if I have a Herniated or Swollen Disc?

A: Our healthcare providers will determine the nature of your condition during a detailed initial evaluation. This include a detailed medical history, a review of systems, diagnostic imaging, diagnostic tests, and more. 

Q: Which treatment options will be most effective for my condition?

A: Because every condition is different, our providers will use the information gathered in your initial evaluation to create a customized plan of care for your condition.

Q: Does health insurance cover Herniated Disc treatment in Williamston?

A: While health insurance carriers and Medicare cover most of the treatment options at our clinic, others are available at the self-pay rate.