Herniated Disc Treatment in Minneapolis, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Minneapolis, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but there is hope. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-surgical way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we work as a team with our patients to not just ease symptoms, but offer corrective care with the objecting of getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Minneapolis, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.
The Anatomy of 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. Spinal discs are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a strong outer layer (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow for a variety of movements, 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 a fragment of the gel-like inner disc is pushed out of the outer layer. When the leaked gel puts pressure on a nerve, it causes symptoms in the body part that that specific nerve controls.
The human body has 23 intervertebral discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lower back 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. If the herniation is not interfering with a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. People with herniated discs may experience:
- Pain — As the herniated disc disrupts a nerve, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. The pain is usually reserved to one side of the body. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most most of the time symptoms 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 (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
- Numbness — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also feel a numbing sensation in affected parts of the body.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the affected nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of exercise stemming from other symptoms can cause the body to stiffen.
Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more severe at night, after staying in the same position for a long time, when bending, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.
Why Do Herniated Discs Occur?
About 2% of adults in the U.S. experience a herniated disc each year happens to people in the third to fifth decade in life, and affects twice as many men as women. There are many risk factors associated with herniated discs:
- Performing certain movements repeatedly
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Inactive lifestyle
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Minneapolis, MN?
Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. 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, it's best to see a medical professional in Minneapolis, MN. A physician may recommend a steroid injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bladder function, a diskectomy.
But, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat 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 almost twice as likely to be prescribed opioids.
How Minneapolis, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your specific situation. When you first see your Minneapolis, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor may decide to take an X-ray. They'll also perform a physical examination, including testing the reflexes and strength of the affected body part. Then, they'll come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and reduces your likelihood of sustaining another disc injury in the future.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat herniated discs, including massage, traction, and adjustments. They will also often give advice on lifestyle changes, 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 alignments. In these sessions, your Minneapolis, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, relieving symptoms and improving function. Spinal adjustments may involve any one or several of different chiropractic techniques:
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. The diversified technique results in the "popping" sound many people think of when they think of chiropractors.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specific type of table with independent pieces to facilitate 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 find they enjoy it.
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 Minneapolis, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your sessions, they might also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
Minneapolis, MN chiropractors offer a treatment aimed at your continuing wellness that goes well beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to get to know our clients in their total health journey. Your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Minneapolis, MN may also include:
- Massage therapy — In addition to 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 free that tension. Massage is particularly good at helping people whose symptoms include muscle spasms.
- Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms coming back down the road. Good posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
- Patient education — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see us. We'll also help you understand how a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to reduce inflammation and make sure your discs are hydrated and healthy.
When you come to us for your herniated disc treatment in Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Minneapolis, MN. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Minneapolis, MN today.