Salida, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Salida, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Salida, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but you don't have to accept 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 form a team with our patients to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Salida, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for meaningful and lasting herniated disc treatment.

What Is 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. Intervertebral discs are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a strong circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the liquid-like center and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and create space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the outer layer tears and the inner disc leaks out. When the leaked material puts pressure on a nerve, it causes symptoms in the body part that that specific nerve is related to.

There are 23 discs in the spine, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lumbar region or neck.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Depending on the nature of your specific injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and you may or may not experience pain. 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 interferes with a nerve, you can feel pain in the body part that nerve controls. The pain is usually reserved to one side of the body. While you may feel some soreness in the location of the slipped disc, most most of the time pain will move to your extremities. A herniated disc in your lower back 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 symptoms in your upper extremities.
• Tingling — 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 related to the damaged nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of exercise stemming from other symptoms can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

Symptoms can come and go, and may be more severe at night, after staying in the same position for a long time, when performing certain movements, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Why Do Herniated Discs Occur?

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 time
• Being overweight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Aging
• Not regularly exercising

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Salida, MN?

There numerous treatment options for a herniated disc. Before seeking treatment from a professional, you may try ibuprofen and applying heating pads and ice to the affected disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Salida, MN. A medical doctor may prescribe a cortisone injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bladder function, surgery.

But, studies show 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 choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be prescribed opioids.

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How Salida, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will depend on your specific situation. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Salida, MN, your chiropractor may decide to 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 design a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and decreases your likelihood of experiencing another disc injury down the road.

Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring alignment to the spine and relieving pressure on the nerves. The objective 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 Salida, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, reducing 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 used by over 95% of practicing chiropractors. This technique involves using short 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 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 individual 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 pressure on damaged discs. 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 Salida, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your appointment, they will also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Salida, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to get to know our clients in their total health journey. We may also include the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Salida, MN:

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it restricts the movement of related muscles. Massage therapy can help liberate that tightness. 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. Proper posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and distributes weight evenly across your body. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
• 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 Salida, 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.

Trust in Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Salida, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Salida, MN. 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 request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Salida, MN today.