Introduction to Herniated Discs

Lower back pain affects tens of millions of people in the United States and is a major contributor to missed workdays. There are several reasons for it, but one of the most common is a herniated disc. Also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, this ailment has potential implications for the spinal nerves, so we at the ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge want people to understand why they should take treatment seriously.

 

The spinal discs are shock absorbers located in between the flat bodies of most vertebrae. They have tough fibrous outer rings and gelatinous centers. Discs become dehydrated with age and suffer wear and tear throughout a person’s life. When the gelatinous center pushes against the fibrous walls or leaks out, the disc is herniated. The resulting pressure on the surrounding tissues causes pain and triggers the body’s inflammatory response, and nerves branching out of the spinal cord nearby could be compressed. This would result in pain or numbness along the pinched nerve, which could extend the length of the arm or leg.

 

Herniated discs can occur as a result of acute injuries or wear-and-tear, but they are more common in people over the age of sixty. Although frequent in the lower back, they can occur higher up. Chiropractic adjustments can help put the spinal column back into alignment, and we can use techniques such as low-level laser therapy to reduce painful swelling. We can also advise patients on nutrition to ensure their spinal discs get the vitamins and minerals they need to stay supple, and on strengthening exercises that will allow their back muscles to take on more of the weight bearing down on their discs.

If you suffer from back or neck pain, contact ACT Wellness Center at 14111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia by calling 703-491-9355 or visiting ACT Wellness. Dr. Carmelo Caratozzolo, or Dr. C, has been designated Prince William County's best chiropractor for ten years in a row.

 

 

Tailbone Injuries

Have you recently been injured, and suffered a dull, throbbing pain in the rear? You may have coccydynia, known colloquially as a bruised tailbone. We can help you determine the nature of your injury at the ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge and set up a minimally invasive, nonaddictive pain treatment plan and that will get you back in working order. But we also want you to understand how tailbone injuries happen and how to stop them.

The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is made up of several small, fused vertebrae. It is suspended from the bottom of the sacrum, which is the part of the lower spine the hip bones connect to. The tailbone is surrounded by thick muscles and ligaments and is rarely fractured, but its supporting tissues may be bruised and swollen. This can happen as a result of blunt force trauma, as could occur while mountain biking or horseback riding, or during childbirth.

Although coccydynia usually heals well, an untreated person could be in pain for several weeks, especially when seated. We can ameliorate that by providing ring-shaped pillows or chiropractic wedges, which keep pressure off sensitive areas. We can also reduce swelling through practices such as low level laser therapy and electric muscle stimulation, and we can perform adjustments to ensure all the bones of the pelvic region are in the right place. Patients will also be advised on therapeutic exercises they can do to ensure their deep muscles will be strong and support their lower spine in the future.

We treat lower back injuries and tailbone pain at the ACT Wellness Center at 14111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmelo Caratozzolo, call 703-491-9355 or visit ACT Wellness.

 

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

Nowadays, there are many different treatments to help alleviate aches, pains, and injuries. One such treatment is called Electrical Muscle Stimulation, which involves special technology to help reduce pain, swelling, and recovery time. We at ACT Wellness Center take pride in offering our patients different chiropractic treatments and advanced technologies to help them feel their best. We are excited to offer EMS and other chiropractic services in the Woodbridge area!

When it comes to chiropractic treatment, your Woodbridge office provides the best care around. Chiropractic care is a holistic and natural form of treatment. There is no need for or reliance on prescription drugs. Instead, we focus on the root of your pain. Only by treating the cause will the symptoms disappear. It's why we offer EMS to our patients. 

EMS works great for muscle spasms, soft tissue injuries, and athletes who are looking for a quicker workout recovery time. EMS is a popularly used chiropractic treatment for the back and neck muscles and has been successful in relieving acute and chronic pain. EMS is a simple treatment that only takes a few minutes to perform. Electrodes are placed on the affected area and an electrical current is transmitted into the soft tissue or muscle. The strength of the current depends on the type of injury, its location, and how deep the therapy is going to be. The muscles experience small but quick contractions, which may make the patient feel a prickly or tingling sensation.

 

EMS is a great option for patients suffering from:

 

- Arthritis

- Nerve inflammation

- Cancer-related pain

- Dysphagia

- Fibromyalgia

- Muscle injury from trauma

- Back pain

- Spinal cord injury

- Stroke recovery

- Muscle injury from disease

- Urinary incontinence

- Poor muscle strength

- Surgery recovery

 

Do you think you could benefit from EMS? We are happy to address any concerns or answer any questions you have! ACT Wellness Center is located at 14111 Minnieville Rd. in Woodbridge, VA 22193. To find out if EMS or chiropractic treatment is right for you or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Caratozzolo, please visit actwellness.com or call us at 703-491-9355.