Herniated Disc Treatment in St. Louis Park, MN
Herniated disc treatment in St. Louis Park, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, but with the right treatment you can move past 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 alongside the people we treat to not just safe help your pain go away, but offer corrective care with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the St. Louis Park, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or make an appointment online for safe and effective 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 made up of a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, which is protected by a tough circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, 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 spinal injury that occurs when the outer layer tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. When the leaked substance 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 occur in the lower back or neck.
What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?
Depending on the specifics of your injury, the severity of your symptoms can vary greatly, and you may or may not feel 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, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. 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 radiate 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 (this is often referred to as sciatica). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
- Tingling — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also feel like a part of your body has slightly fallen asleep.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the affected nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity stemming from other symptoms 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 bending, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
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 has a male to female ratio of 2:1. A herniated disc can happen for numerous reasons:
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Obesity
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Inactive lifestyle
Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in St. Louis Park, MN
There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. At home, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, if your symptoms don't get better and won't go away, you should seek professional treatment in St. Louis Park, MN. A physician may recommend a cortisone injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bowel control, a diskectomy.
But, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Furthermore, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be prescribed opioids.
Chiropractic For St. Louis Park, MN Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your St. Louis Park, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor may decide to perform imaging tests. They'll also perform a physical examination, including testing the reflexes and strength of the affected body part. Then, they'll design a comprehensive treatment plan that both reduces your symptoms and reduces your likelihood of experiencing another disc injury in the future.
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 St. Louis Park, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, relieving 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 quick thrusts over each joint individually to improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specially designed table with independent pieces to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, stretch and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on problematic discs. This technique rarely ever causes pain and many patients find they enjoy it.
The Pelvic Blocking Technique
Pelvic blocking involves putting cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. This helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's affecting. Your St. Louis Park, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your sessions, they might also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
St. Louis Park, MN chiropractors offer holistic care that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to build relationships with all of our patients. We may also incorporate the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in St. Louis Park, MN:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it limits the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy can help release that tightness. Massage is particularly 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 down the road. Correct posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to offer pain relief for a few days. 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 St. Louis Park, 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.
Trust in Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in St. Louis Park, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in St. Louis Park, MN. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering 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 St. Louis Park, MN today.