Mound, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Mound, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Mound, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but with the right treatment you can overcome 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 partner with the people who come to see us to not just ease symptoms, but offer a holistic treatment plan aimed at getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Mound, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

The spinal cord, which sends messages between the brain and the rest of your body, is protected by the vertebrae as it moves upward the spinal column. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through holes on each side of the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs act as tough ligaments that cushion the spine and hold it together. They are made up of a gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a firm circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the liquid-like center and connects the vertebrae. When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and add space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.

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 pushes up against 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 any of them can become herniated. However, most occur in the lower back or neck.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your injury, with some people not experiencing any pain at all. 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 — As the herniated disc presses against a nerve, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. 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 move 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). Herniated discs in the neck tend to cause pain in your shoulder or arm.
• Lack of feeling — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel a numbing sensation in the body parts related to the nerve.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the affected nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause the body to stiffen.

Symptoms can come and go, and may be more severe at a certain time of day, after staying in the same position for a long time, when bending, 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 has a male to female ratio of 2:1. There are numerous risk factors associated with herniated discs:

• Performing certain movements repeatedly
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Excessive weight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Aging
• Inactive lifestyle

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Mound, MN

There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. At home, you may try ibuprofen and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Mound, MN. A medical doctor may advise a cortisone injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bowel control, microdiscectomy surgery.

But, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Moreover, people who see 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 to fill an opioid prescription.

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How Mound, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs

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 Mound, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will probably 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 work with you to create a holistic treatment plan that both reduces your symptoms and reduces your risk of experiencing 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 how to live healthier, such as exercises to strengthen the spine and improve mobility.

Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Mound, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, easing pain and improving function. Spinal adjustments may involve any one or several of different chiropractic techniques:

The Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is used by over 9 out of 10 practicing chiropractors. This technique involves using quick thrusts over each joint individually to correctly align the spine and improve function. The diversified technique results in the "popping" sound most people think of when they think of chiropractors.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specially designed table with individual segments to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, extend and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on problematic discs. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.

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 Mound, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your appointment, they will also guide you through safe exercises during your session to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

Mound, MN chiropractors offer a treatment aimed at your continuing wellness that goes well beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, want to build relationships with all of our patients. Your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Mound, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it restricts the movement of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy can help reduce that tension. Massage is especially good at helping people whose 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. Appropriate posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you 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'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 Mound, 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 Mound, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Mound, MN, you can ease the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the chances of re-injury in the future, and feel better in your everyday life. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Mound, MN today.