Herniated Disc Treatment in Hopkins, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Hopkins, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 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 work as a team with the people we treat to not just safe help your pain go away, but offer corrective care aimed at getting them back to optimal wellness. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Hopkins, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for meaningful and lasting herniated disc treatment.
The Anatomy of a Herniated Disc
The spinal cord and nerve roots that control your body's movements pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. Intervertebral discs act as tough ligaments that cushion the spine and hold it together. They are filled with a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow for a variety of movements, and create space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.
A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. When the leaked substance pushes up against a nerve, it disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part related to that nerve.
The human body has 23 spinal discs, and it's possible to sustain and injury to any of them. However, most herniated discs are in the lumbar region or neck.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Depending on the nature of your specific injury, the severity of your symptoms can vary greatly, and you may or may not feel 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 one side of the body. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most most of the time pain will radiate to your extremities. 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). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
- Tingling — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also feel a numbing sensation in the body parts related to the nerve.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the disrupted nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause the body to stiffen.
Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more worse at night, 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. It mostly occurs to people between 30 and 50 years old, and affects twice as many men as women. A herniated disc can happen for numerous reasons:
- Performing certain movements repeatedly
- Sitting in the same position for a long period
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Not lifting with proper technique
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not regularly exercising
Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Hopkins, MN
There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. Before seeking treatment from a professional, you may try over-the-counter medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, if your symptoms worsen or won't go away, you should seek professional treatment in Hopkins, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a steroid injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bladder function, surgery.
However, studies show that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Furthermore, people who are treated by 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 Hopkins, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your specific situation. When you first see your Hopkins, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely take an X-ray. 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 personalized treatment plan aimed at getting you feeling even better than you did before your disc injury.
Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function.
When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal alignments. In these sessions, your Hopkins, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, easing symptoms 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 95% of practicing chiropractors. 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 think of when they think of chiropractors.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specially designed table with independent segments to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to stretch and decompress the spine, and reduce tension between your discs, nerves, vertebrae and joints. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, pleasant.
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 Hopkins, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they will also help you perform safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Hopkins, 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 personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Hopkins, MN:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the flexibility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy can help free that tension. Massage is particularly good at helping people who are experiencing muscle spasms.
- Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms coming back in the future. Appropriate posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and distributes weight evenly across your body. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Patient education — We want you to feel good every day after your herniated disc treatment with 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 Hopkins, 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.
Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Hopkins, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Hopkins, MN, you can ease 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 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 Hopkins, MN today.