Savage, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Savage, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Savage, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but you don't have to live with the limits it places on your life. 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 in tandem with the people we treat to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a holistic treatment plan with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Savage, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team 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 and nerve roots that control your body's movements pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. Spinal discs are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a firm outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the liquid-like center and connects the vertebrae. When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, 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 is pushed out 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 related to that nerve.

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

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Depending on the nature of your specific injury, the severity of your symptoms can vary greatly, and you may or may not experience pain. If the herniation is not interfering with a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. 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 usually reserved to either your right or left side. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will radiate to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in the lumbar region can cause pain in your lower back all the way down to your calves (this is often referred to as sciatica). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
• Lack of feeling — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also experience a numbing sensation in your buttocks, leg, shoulder, or arm.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the disrupted nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

Symptoms can come and go, and may be more worse at night, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when bending, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Who Gets Herniated Discs?

About 2% of adults in the U.S. suffer a herniated disc annually happens to people in the third to fifth decade in life, and affects twice as many men as women. There are many risk factors associated with herniated discs:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Being overweight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not being physically active

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Savage, 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 ibuprofen and applying heat packs and ice to the affected disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Savage, MN. A physician may recommend a cortisone injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bowel function, microdiscectomy 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 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be prescribed opioids.

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How Savage, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will be based on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Savage, MN, your chiropractor will probably take an X-ray. 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 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 Savage, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, relieving pain as well as providing numerous other benefits. 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. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize 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 uses a specific type of table with independent pieces to facilitate 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. 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 Savage, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they will also guide you through safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Savage, 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 include the following in your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Savage, MN:

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it restricts the flexibility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy works to liberate that tension. 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. Appropriate posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and distributes weight evenly across your body. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
• Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to give you pain relief in the moment. We show you things you can do on your own for longevity and quality of life, movement and mobility.

When you come to us for your herniated disc treatment in Savage, 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 Savage, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Savage, MN. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Speak to a member of our team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for herniated disc treatment in Savage, MN today.