Herniated Disc Treatment in New Brighton, MN
Herniated disc treatment in New Brighton, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but there is hope. 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 alongside the people who come to see us to not just safe help your pain go away, but offer a holistic treatment plan aimed at getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're suffering from pain and limited motion in the New Brighton, 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, 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 holes on each side of the vertebrae. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are made up of a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a tough circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and add space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.
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 substance pushes up against a nerve, it affects the body part that that specific nerve is related to.
There are 23 intervertebral discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lower back or neck.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your herniated disc, with some people not experiencing any pain at all. If the herniation is not pressing up against a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. Common symptoms of herniated discs include:
- 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 most of the time symptoms will move to other parts of your body. 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.
- Tingling — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also experience 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 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 night, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when performing certain movements, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
Risk Factors For 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. Someone may be more likely to suffer a herniated disc with:
- Performing certain movements repeatedly
- Sitting in the same position for a long period
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Not lifting with proper technique
- Smoking
- Aging
- Inactive lifestyle
Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in New Brighton, MN
There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. Before seeking professional medical attention, you may try ibuprofen and applying heating pads and ice to the affected disc. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in New Brighton, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a steroid injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bowel control, microdiscectomy surgery.
But, studies show a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Furthermore, 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.
How New Brighton, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your specific situation. At your initial chiropractic appointment in New Brighton, MN, 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 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 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 sessions, your New Brighton, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, reducing symptoms 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 9 out of 10 practicing chiropractors. This technique involves using short thrusts over each joint individually to improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. 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 utilizes a specific type of table with independent pieces to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, elongate the spine and reduce pressure on problematic discs. Sessions are usually 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 helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's impinging on. Your New Brighton, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your appointment, they may also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.
Other Treatments
New Brighton, MN chiropractors offer holistic care that goes well beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, want to get to know our clients in their total health journey. We may also incorporate the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in New Brighton, MN:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a nerve is compressed, it limits the movement of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy works to reduce that tension. Massage is particularly good at helping people who are experiencing 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 can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Lifestyle tips — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see us. We can also offer nutrition and exercise advice to reduce inflammation and make sure your discs are hydrated and healthy.
When you see us for your herniated disc treatment in New Brighton, 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.
Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in New Brighton, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in New Brighton, MN, you can ease the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the odds of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or make an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in New Brighton, MN today.