Herniated Disc Treatment in St. Michael, MN
Herniated disc treatment in St. Michael, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 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 the people who come to see us to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer corrective care with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the St. Michael, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team 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 control your body's movements pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a tough circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and add space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.
A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. When the leaked material puts pressure on a nerve, it causes problems for the body part that that specific nerve is related to.
There are 23 discs in the spine, and it's possible to suffer and injury to any of them. 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 injury, with some people having little to no 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 — As the herniated disc disrupts 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 pain will move to your extremities. 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). Herniated discs in the neck may cause symptoms in your upper extremities.
- Lack of sensation — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also feel tingling in affected parts of the body.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the damaged nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause the body to stiffen.
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.
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 affects twice as many men as women. A herniated disc can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Performing certain movements repeatedly
- Sitting in the same position for a long period
- Obesity
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Aging
- Not regularly exercising
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in St. Michael, MN?
There numerous treatment options for a herniated disc. Before seeking professional medical attention, you may try over-the-counter medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, if your symptoms worsen or won't go away, it's best to see a medical professional in St. Michael, MN. A physician may advise a cortisone injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bowel function, invasive procedures.
However, the evidence demonstrates that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Furthermore, people who see a chiropractor are less likely to need surgery, and people with back pain who did not get chiropractic treatment are almost twice as likely to to fill an opioid prescription.
How St. Michael, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. At your initial chiropractic appointment in St. Michael, 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 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 flexibility.
When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these sessions, your St. Michael, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, reducing pain 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 short thrusts over each joint, one at a time, to improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. These are what cause the "popping" sound most people associate with chiropractic adjustments.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specially designed table with independent pieces to perform 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. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.
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 St. Michael, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. While at their office, 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 St. Michael, 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 custom herniated disc treatment plan in St. Michael, MN:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the movement of related muscles. Massage therapy works to release that tightness. 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 reemerging down the road. Good 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.
- Patient education — Our goal isn't just to give you 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. Michael, 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 St. Michael, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in St. Michael, MN, you can ease pain, reduce the odds 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. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for herniated disc treatment in St. Michael, MN today.