Herniated Disc Treatment in Maple Grove, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Maple Grove, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, but you don't have to accept your symptoms. 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 our patients to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan with the objecting of getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Maple Grove, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The spinal cord, which controls your body's movements, is protected by the vertebrae as it moves upward the spinal column. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through openings on the side of the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs act as tough ligaments that cushion the spine and hold it together. They are filled with a gel-like substance (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 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 outer layer tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. When the leaked gel impinges on a nerve, it disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part related to that nerve.
There are 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?
Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your herniated disc, with some people having little to no 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 — 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 you may feel some pain in the location of the slipped disc, most 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 (this is often referred to as sciatica). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
- Lack of sensation — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also experience a numbing sensation in your buttocks, leg, shoulder, or arm.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the disrupted nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of exercise 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 staying in the same position for a long time, when performing certain movements, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.
Why Do Herniated Discs Happen?
About 2% of adults in the U.S. suffer a herniated disc 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 numerous reasons:
- Performing certain movements repeatedly
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Being overweight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Not lifting with proper technique
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not being physically active
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Maple Grove, MN?
There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. Before seeking professional medical attention, you may try over-the-counter medications and applying heating pads and ice to the affected area. But, if your symptoms don't get better and won't go away, you should seek professional treatment in Maple Grove, MN. A physician may recommend a cortisone injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bladder control, microdiscectomy surgery.
But, studies show that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Moreover, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
Chiropractic For Maple Grove, MN Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will depend on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your Maple Grove, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will probably 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 develop a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and decreases your risk of suffering 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 range of motion.
When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these adjustments, your Maple Grove, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, relieving 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. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize short thrusts over each joint, one at a time, 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
Also called the Cox method, this uses a specific type of table with individual segments to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to 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 to soft blocks under as support under the pelvis. This draws the disc away from the affected nerve. Your Maple Grove, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your adjustment, they may also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.
Other Treatments
Maple Grove, MN chiropractors offer a treatment aimed at your continuing wellness that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, endeavor to get to know our clients in their total health journey. We may also incorporate the following in your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Maple Grove, MN:
- Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the flexibility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy works to release that tightness. Massage is particularly 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. Proper posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and distributes weight evenly across your body. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Lifestyle tips — 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 see us for your herniated disc treatment in Maple Grove, 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 Maple Grove, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Maple Grove, MN. 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 schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Maple Grove, MN today.