Herniated Disc Treatment in Wayzata, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Wayzata, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, 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 as a team with our patients to not only ease pain, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan with the objecting of getting them back to optimal health and function. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Wayzata, MN area, Speak to a member of our 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, 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 openings on the side of the vertebrae. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are made up of a gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, which is protected by a strong circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow for a variety of movements, and create space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.

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 material pushes up against a nerve, it affects 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.

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What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your herniated disc, with some people not experiencing any pain at all. 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 — The affected nerve will signal to the brain that something is wrong, leading to pain. The pain is almost always only on either your right or left side. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will move to your extremities. A herniated disc in your lower back can cause pain in your lower back all the way down to your calves (herniated discs are a common cause of 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 experience a numbing sensation in affected parts of the body.
  • Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the damaged nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more worse at night, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when performing certain movements, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.


Why Do Herniated Discs Happen?

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. Someone may be more likely to suffer a herniated disc with:

  • Performing certain movements repeatedly
  • Sitting in the same position for a long period
  • Excessive weight
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Not lifting with proper technique
  • Smoking
  • Aging
  • Inactive lifestyle

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Wayzata, 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 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 Wayzata, MN. A physician may recommend a cortisone injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bowel control, a diskectomy.

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 did not get chiropractic treatment are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be prescribed opioids.



How Wayzata, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will depend on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Wayzata, 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 work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and reduces your likelihood of sustaining another disc injury in the future.

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 mobility.

When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Wayzata, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, easing symptoms and improving function. Spinal adjustments may involve any one or several of different chiropractic techniques:


The Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is the most common chiropractic technique in the world. 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 most people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.


The Flexion-Distraction Technique

Also called the Cox technique, this utilizes a specially designed table with individual pieces to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, elongate the spine and reduce tension between your discs, nerves, vertebrae and joints. Sessions are normally pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.


The Pelvic Blocking Technique

Pelvic blocking involves putting to soft blocks under as support under the pelvis. This draws the disc away from the affected nerve. Your Wayzata, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your adjustment, they may also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to further improve mobility.


Other Treatments

Wayzata, MN chiropractors offer a treatment aimed at your continuing wellness that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, want to build relationships with all of our patients. We may also include the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Wayzata, MN:

  • Massage therapy Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a nerve is compressed, it limits the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to reduce that tightness. Massage is especially 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. Proper posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting so you don't irritate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
  • Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to offer pain relief in the moment. 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 come to us for your herniated disc treatment in Wayzata, MN, your treatment plan will be personally tailored to you, and we will put you on the best path forward toward optimal movement health.

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Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Wayzata, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Wayzata, MN. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Wayzata, MN today.