Herniated Disc Treatment in Pleasant Lake, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Pleasant Lake, 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 work as a team with our patients to not only mitigate symptoms, but offer a holistic treatment plan with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Pleasant Lake, MN area, call our team at Total Spine 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, 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. Spinal discs are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like material (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a strong outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the liquid-like center and connects the vertebrae. When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow for a variety of movements, and add space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.
A herniated disc is a spinal 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 affects the body part that that specific nerve is related to.
The human body has 23 spinal discs, 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 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 — 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 the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will reach out 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 (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck tend to cause pain in your shoulder or arm.
- Lack of sensation — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also experience tingling in your buttocks, leg, shoulder, or arm.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the damaged nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of exercise 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 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. There are numerous risk factors for a herniated disc:
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Sitting in the same position for a long period
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not being physically active
Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Pleasant Lake, MN
There numerous treatment options for a herniated disc. At home, you may try over-the-counter medications and applying heat packs 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 Pleasant Lake, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a steroid injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bladder function, surgery.
But, studies show 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 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
Chiropractic For Pleasant Lake, MN Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your specific situation. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Pleasant Lake, 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 work with you to create a personalized treatment plan aimed at getting you feeling even better than you did before your disc injury.
Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring alignment to the spine and relieving pressure on the nerves. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function.
Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Pleasant Lake, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, easing symptoms and improving function. There are a variety of chiropractic techniques they may use in your treatment:
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 improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. The diversified technique results in the "popping" sound most people associate with chiropractic adjustments.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
Also called the Cox technique, this uses a specially designed table with independent segments to carry out gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to stretch and decompress 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 cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. This draws the disc away from the affected nerve. Your Pleasant Lake, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your adjustment, they will also guide you through safe exercises during your session to get further benefit.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Pleasant Lake, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, endeavor to build relationships with all of our patients. We may also incorporate the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Pleasant Lake, MN:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it limits the movement of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy can help release that tension. 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 coming back in the future. Proper posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
- Patient education — Our goal isn't just to offer pain relief for a few days. We can also offer nutrition and exercise advice to reduce inflammation and make sure your discs are hydrated and healthy.
When you come to us for your herniated disc treatment in Pleasant Lake, 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 Pleasant Lake, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Pleasant Lake, MN, you can ease the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the likelihood of re-injury in the future, and feel better in your everyday life. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Pleasant Lake, MN today.