Herniated Disc Treatment in Watertown, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Watertown, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but there is hope. 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 ease pain, but offer a holistic treatment plan with the objecting of getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Watertown, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or make an appointment online for meaningful and lasting herniated disc treatment.
The Anatomy of a Herniated Disc
The spinal cord, which sends messages between the brain and the rest of your body, passes upward through each vertebrae. 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 made up of a jelly-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a strong circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and create space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.
A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the a fragment of the gel-like inner disc ruptures the surface of the outer layer. 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 intervertebral discs, and it's possible to suffer and injury to any of them. However, most herniated discs are in the lower back or neck.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your injury, with some people having little to no pain. If the herniation is not pressing up against a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. 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 either your right or left side. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will move to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in your lower back 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.
- Numbness — 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 related to the damaged nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause the body to stiffen.
Symptoms can come and go, and may be more severe 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. happens to people in the third to fifth decade in life, 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
- Being overweight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not regularly exercising
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Watertown, MN?
Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. At home, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Watertown, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a cortisone injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bowel control, microdiscectomy surgery.
But, the evidence demonstrates that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Furthermore, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
How Watertown, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your Watertown, MN chiropractor, 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 come up with 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 lifestyle changes, 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 Watertown, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, relieving pain and improving function. Spinal adjustments may involve any one or several of different chiropractic techniques:
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 correctly align the spine and improve function. These are what cause the "popping" sound most people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specific type of table with individual segments to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to elongate 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 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 Watertown, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they may also help you perform safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Watertown, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, endeavor to get to know our clients in their total health journey. We may also incorporate the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Watertown, 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 flexibility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to free that tension. 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 in the future. Appropriate posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Patient education — 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 see us for your herniated disc treatment in Watertown, 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.
Visit Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Watertown, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Watertown, 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 schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Watertown, MN today.