Herniated Disc Treatment in Minnetonka, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Minnetonka, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, but you don't have to live with your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-surgical way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we partner with our patients to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from pain and limited motion in the Minnetonka, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.
What Is 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 are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a tough circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and create space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.
A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the a fragment of the gel-like inner disc is pushed out of the outer layer. When the leaked gel impinges on a nerve, it disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part associated with that nerve.
The human body has 23 discs in the spine, 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 specifics of your injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and you may or may not feel pain. If the herniation is not pressing up against a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. People with herniated discs may experience:
- 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 you may feel some soreness in the location of the slipped disc, 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 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 — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel tingling in your buttocks, leg, shoulder, or arm.
- 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 certain body parts to become stiff.
Symptoms can come and go, 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 American adults suffer a herniated disc 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 numerous reasons:
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Not lifting with proper technique
- Smoking
- Old age
- Inactive lifestyle
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Minnetonka, MN?
There numerous treatment options for a herniated disc. Before seeking professional medical attention, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, if your symptoms worsen or won't go away, it's best to see a medical professional in Minnetonka, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a cortisone injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bowel control, surgery.
However, the evidence demonstrates that chiropractic is also an effective treatment for 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.
How Minnetonka, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your specific situation. At your first chiropractic appointment in Minnetonka, MN, your chiropractor will likely perform imaging tests. They'll also perform a physical examination, including testing the reflexes and strength of the affected body part. Then, they'll design a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and reduces your risk of sustaining 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 alignments. In these sessions, your Minnetonka, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, reducing pain 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, one at a time, to correctly align the spine and improve function. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
Also called the Cox method, this utilizes a specially designed table with independent pieces to carry out gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to expand and decompress the spine, and reduce tension between your discs, nerves, vertebrae and joints. Sessions are normally 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 draws the disc away from the affected nerve. Your Minnetonka, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your appointment, they might also help you perform safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
Minnetonka, MN chiropractors offer a treatment aimed at your continuing wellness that goes well beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to build relationships with all of our patients. Your tailored herniated disc treatment plan in Minnetonka, MN may also include:
- Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it limits the flexibility of related muscles. Massage therapy can help liberate that tightness. Massage is especially effective if your symptoms include muscle spasms.
- Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms reemerging in the future. Good posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and distributes weight evenly across your body. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
- Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to offer pain relief for a few days. 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 Minnetonka, 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.
Visit Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Minnetonka, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Minnetonka, MN. 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 contact us online for herniated disc treatment in Minnetonka, MN today.