Princeton, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Princeton, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Princeton, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but with the right treatment you can move past 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 form a team with our patients to not only mitigate pain, but offer corrective care aimed at getting them back to optimal health and function. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Princeton, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for meaningful and lasting herniated disc treatment.

The Anatomy of a Herniated Disc

The spinal cord and nerve roots that send messages between the brain and the rest of your body pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, which is protected by a firm circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow for a variety of movements, and create space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. 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 any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lumbar region or neck.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your injury, with some people having little to no pain. Many people with a herniated disc do not experience any symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after the herniation. 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 either your right or left side. While you may feel some soreness in the location of the slipped disc, 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 (this is often referred to as sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck may cause pain in your shoulder or arm.
• Numbness — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel like a part of your body has slightly fallen asleep.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the disrupted nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

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 bending, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

Risk Factors For Herniated Discs

About 2% of American adults suffer a herniated disc annually It mostly occurs to people between 30 and 50 years old, and affects twice as many men as women. Someone may be more likely to suffer a herniated disc with:

• Performing certain movements repeatedly
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Excessive weight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Poor technique when lifting
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not regularly exercising

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Princeton, MN

Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. Before seeking treatment from a professional, you may try over-the-counter medications and varying heat and ice therapy 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 Princeton, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a cortisone injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bowel function, surgery.

However, 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 choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.

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Chiropractic For Princeton, MN Herniated Disc Treatment

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will depend on your specific situation. When you first see your Princeton, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will probably take an X-ray. They'll also perform a physical examination, including testing the reflexes and strength of the affected body part. Then, they'll design 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.

Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these sessions, your Princeton, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, easing symptoms as well as providing numerous other benefits. 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 short 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 associate with chiropractic adjustments.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

Also called the Cox method, this utilizes a specific type of table with independent pieces to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to elongate 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 helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's pushing up against. Your Princeton, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your adjustment, they might also guide you through safe exercises during your session to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

Princeton, MN chiropractors offer a treatment aimed at your continuing wellness that goes far 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 personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Princeton, MN:

• Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it restricts the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to release that tightness. Massage is particularly effective if your 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. Good posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you tips for good posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
• Lifestyle tips — 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 Princeton, 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.

Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Princeton, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Princeton, MN, you can alleviate pain, reduce the chances of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for herniated disc treatment in Princeton, MN today.