Montrose, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Montrose, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Montrose, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but you don't have to live with your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we work as a team with the people we treat to not only ease symptoms, but offer corrective care aimed at helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from pain and limited motion in the Montrose, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment 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. Spinal discs are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are made up of a jelly-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a firm outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, 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 gel puts pressure 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 lower back or neck.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Depending on the nature of your specific injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, 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. People with herniated discs may experience:

• Pain — As the herniated disc disrupts a nerve, you can feel pain in the body part that nerve controls. 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 all the way down to your calves (this is often referred to as sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck tend to cause pain in your shoulder or arm.
• Numbness — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel tingling in affected parts of the body.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the damaged nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. 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.

Who Gets 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 time
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not being physically active

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Montrose, 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 anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Montrose, 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 function, invasive procedures.

However, studies show a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Moreover, 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.

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Chiropractic For Montrose, MN Herniated Disc Treatment

Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your Montrose, 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 come up with a personalized treatment plan aimed at getting you feeling even better than you did before your disc injury.

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 flexibility.

When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal alignments. In these adjustments, your Montrose, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, easing 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. This technique involves using 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're considering visiting a chiropractor.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specially designed table with independent pieces to carry out 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 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 Montrose, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they might also help you perform safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Montrose, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, want to get to know our clients in their total health journey. Your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Montrose, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist on our team. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it limits the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to liberate that tightness. Massage is particularly 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 down the road. Proper posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
• Patient education — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see 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 Montrose, MN, we will find out exactly what we can do to help you, and put you on the best path forward toward living your best life.

Visit Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Montrose, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Montrose, MN. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Montrose, MN today.