Anoka, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Anoka, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Anoka, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we partner with our patients to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing pain and limited motion in the Anoka, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or make an appointment online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

The spinal cord, which sends messages between the brain and the rest of your body, is protected by the vertebrae as it moves upward the spinal column. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through holes on each side of the vertebrae. Spinal discs are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are made up of a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a tough circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and add space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the a fragment of the gel-like inner disc ruptures the surface of the outer layer. When the leaked gel pushes up against a nerve, it causes problems for the body part that that specific nerve is related to.

The human body has 23 intervertebral discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lumbar region or neck.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Depending on the nature of your specific injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and you may or may not experience pain. Many people with a herniated disc do not experience any symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after the herniation. Common symptoms of herniated discs include:

• Pain — As the herniated disc interferes with a nerve, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. The pain is almost always only on one side of the body. While you may feel some pain in the location of the slipped disc, most most of the time pain will radiate to your extremities. A herniated disc in your lower back can cause pain in your lower back all the way down to your calves (this is often referred to as sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck tend to cause symptoms in your upper extremities.
• Lack of feeling — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel like your buttocks, leg, arm, or shoulder have slightly fallen asleep.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the disrupted nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause the body to stiffen.

Symptoms can come and go, and may be more worse at night, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when bending, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

Risk Factors For Herniated Discs

The incidence of a herniated disc is about 5 to 20 cases per 1000 adults annually. happens to people in the third to fifth decade in life, and affects twice as many men as women. A herniated disc can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Performing certain movements repeatedly
• Sitting in the same position for a long period
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not regularly exercising

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Anoka, MN

There numerous treatment options for a herniated disc. At home, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Anoka, MN. A medical doctor may advise a steroid injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bowel function, microdiscectomy surgery.

However, studies show that chiropractic is also an effective treatment for a herniated disc. Furthermore, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are almost twice as likely to to fill an opioid prescription.

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Chiropractic For Anoka, MN Herniated Disc Treatment

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will be based on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your Anoka, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely perform imaging tests. They'll also test your pain level reflexes, strength, and sensation in the body part related to the damages nerve. Then, they'll work with you to develop a holistic treatment plan that both eases pain and reduces your likelihood of experiencing another disc injury down the line.

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat herniated discs, including massage, traction, and adjustments. They will also often give advice on how to live healthier, such as exercises to strengthen the spine and improve mobility.

Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these sessions, your Anoka, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, easing pain as well as providing numerous other benefits. There are a variety of chiropractic techniques they may use in your treatment:

The Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is the most common chiropractic technique in the world. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize quick thrusts over each joint individually to improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people associate with chiropractic adjustments.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specific type of table with independent pieces to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to extend and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on damaged discs. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, pleasant.

The Pelvic Blocking Technique

Pelvic blocking involves putting cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. This draws the disc away from the affected nerve. Your Anoka, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. While at their office, they will also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Anoka, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, endeavor to build relationships with all of our patients. We may also include the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Anoka, MN:

• Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it restricts the mobility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy can help liberate that tension. Massage is particularly effective if your symptoms include muscle spasms.
• Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms reemerging down the road. Good posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
• Lifestyle tips — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see us. We show you things you can do on your own for longevity and quality of life, movement and mobility.

When you come to us for your herniated disc treatment in Anoka, MN, your treatment plan will be personally tailored to you, and we will put you on the best path forward toward optimal movement health.

Trust in Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Anoka, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Anoka, MN, you can alleviate pain, reduce the chances of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Anoka, MN today.