Herniated Disc Treatment in Crystal, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Crystal, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but you don't have to accept your symptoms. 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 the people who come to see us to not just ease symptoms, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Crystal, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.
The Anatomy of a Herniated Disc
The spinal cord, which controls your body's movements, passes upward through each vertebrae. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through holes on each side of the vertebrae. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are made up of a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a firm outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the liquid-like center and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and create space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.
A herniated disc is a spine-related injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. When the leaked gel pushes up against a nerve, it disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part associated with that nerve.
There are 23 discs in the spine, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lumbar region or neck.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
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. People with herniated discs may experience:
- Pain — As the herniated disc presses against a nerve, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. The pain is usually reserved to either your right or left side. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most most of the time pain will reach out to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in the lumbar region can cause pain in your lower back, through your buttocks, thigh, calf, and possibly feet (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck may cause pain in your shoulder or arm.
- Numbness — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel like a part of your body has slightly fallen asleep.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the affected nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause certain body parts to become stiff.
Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more severe at a certain time of day, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when performing certain movements, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
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 has a male to female ratio of 2:1. A herniated disc can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Performing certain movements repeatedly
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Not lifting with proper technique
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not regularly exercising
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Crystal, MN?
Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. At home, you may try over-the-counter medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, if your symptoms don't get better and won't go away, it's best to see a medical professional in Crystal, MN. A medical doctor may prescribe a steroid injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bladder control, a diskectomy.
However, studies show that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Furthermore, people who see a chiropractor are less likely to need surgery, and people with back pain who did not get chiropractic treatment are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
How Crystal, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will be based on your specific situation. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Crystal, MN, your chiropractor may decide to perform imaging tests. They'll also perform a physical examination, including testing the reflexes and strength of the affected body part. Then, they'll work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and reduces your risk of sustaining another disc injury in the future.
Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves. The aim is to reduce pain and improve function.
When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these sessions, your Crystal, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, reducing 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 used by over 9 out of 10 practicing chiropractors. This technique involves using quick thrusts over each joint, one at a time, to correctly align the spine and improve function. These are what cause the "popping" sound most people think of when they think of chiropractors.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
Also called the Cox technique, this uses a specific type of table with individual pieces to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, elongate and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on problematic discs. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.
The Pelvic Blocking Technique
Pelvic blocking involves putting to soft blocks under as support under the pelvis. This helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's impinging on. Your Crystal, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they may also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Crystal, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to build relationships with all of our patients. We may also incorporate the following in your tailored herniated disc treatment plan in Crystal, MN:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the movement of related muscles. Massage therapy works to reduce that tension. Massage is especially effective if your symptoms include muscle spasms.
- Posture correction — Sitting, standing, and movement with good posture both helps prevent slipped discs and helps keep the symptoms from coming back. Correct posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you tips for good posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Patient education — Our goal isn't just to provide pain relief for a few days. We can also offer nutrition and exercise advice to reduce inflammation and make sure your discs are hydrated and healthy.
When you see us for your herniated disc treatment in Crystal, MN, your treatment plan will be personally tailored to you, and we will put you on the best path forward toward living your best life.
Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Crystal, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Crystal, MN, you can ease the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the chances of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or make an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Crystal, MN today.