Herniated Disc Treatment in Dayton, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Dayton, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, but you don't have to accept the limits it places on your life. Chiropractic care is effective at easing pain and restoring mobility, and doesn't involve the potential invasive procedures or medications of other treatment methods. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we partner with our patients to not only mitigate pain, but offer corrective care with the objecting of getting them back to optimal wellness. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Dayton, MN area, Speak to a member of our team today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for meaningful and lasting herniated disc treatment.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The spinal cord and nerve roots that send messages between the brain and the rest of your body pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. Intervertebral discs are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like material (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and add space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.
A herniated disc is a spine-related injury that occurs when the a fragment of the gel-like inner disc ruptures the surface of the outer layer. When the leaked substance pushes up against a nerve, it affects the body part that that specific nerve controls.
The human body has 23 discs in the spine, and any of them can become herniated. However, most occur in the lumbar region or neck.
What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?
Depending on the specifics of your injury, the severity of your symptoms can vary greatly, and you may or may not experience pain. If the herniation is not interfering with a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. Common symptoms of herniated discs include:
- Pain — The affected nerve will signal to the brain that something is wrong, leading to pain. The pain is almost always only on either your right or left side. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will radiate 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 tend to cause symptoms in your shoulder or arm.
- Tingling — 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 stemming from other symptoms can cause certain body parts to become stiff.
Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more worse at a certain time of day, after staying in the same position for a long time, 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 has a male to female ratio of 2:1. A herniated disc can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Sitting in the same position for a long period
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not regularly exercising
Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Dayton, MN
There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. Before seeking professional medical attention, you may try ibuprofen and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Dayton, 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 control, microdiscectomy surgery.
But, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Furthermore, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who did not get chiropractic treatment are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
Chiropractic For Dayton, MN Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your Dayton, 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 design a holistic treatment plan that both reduces your symptoms and decreases your likelihood of suffering 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.
Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Dayton, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, relieving pain and improving function. There are a variety of chiropractic techniques they may use in your treatment:
The Diversified Technique
The diversified technique is used by over 95% of practicing chiropractors. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize short thrusts over each joint, one at a time, to correctly align the spine and improve function. The diversified technique results in the "popping" sound most people associate with chiropractic adjustments.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specific type of table with independent segments to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, elongate the spine and reduce tension between your discs, nerves, vertebrae and joints. This technique rarely ever causes pain and many patients say that it feels good.
The Pelvic Blocking Technique
Pelvic blocking involves putting cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. This helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's impinging on. Your Dayton, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your adjustment, they will also guide you through safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Dayton, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, want to build relationships with all of our patients. Your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Dayton, MN may also include:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it limits the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy can help liberate that tension. Massage is especially good at helping people whose 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. Proper posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
- Patient education — Our goal isn't just to give you 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 Dayton, MN, we will find out exactly what we can do to help you, and put you on the best path forward toward optimal movement health.
Visit Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Dayton, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Dayton, MN. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or make an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Dayton, MN today.