Herniated Disc Treatment in Zimmerman, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Zimmerman, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but you don't have to accept your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-surgical way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we partner with our patients to not just safe help your pain go away, but offer corrective care with the objecting of getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Zimmerman, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for meaningful and lasting herniated disc treatment.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The spinal cord and nerve roots that send messages between the brain and the rest of your body pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. Intervertebral discs are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, which is protected by a strong circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and create space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.
A herniated disc is a spine-related 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 symptoms in the body part that that specific nerve is related to.
There are 23 intervertebral discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most occur in the lumbar region or neck.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your injury, with some people not experiencing any pain at all. 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 — The affected nerve will signal to the brain that something is wrong, leading to pain. The pain is almost always only on 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 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 (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck may cause symptoms in your shoulder or arm.
- Lack of sensation — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also experience tingling in the body parts related to the nerve.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the disrupted nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of exercise as the result of bed rest can cause the body to stiffen.
Symptoms can come and go, and may be more severe at a certain time of day, after staying in the same position for a long time, when performing certain movements, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.
Why Do Herniated Discs Occur?
About 2% of American adults experience a herniated disc each year 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 time
- Obesity
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Inactive lifestyle
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Zimmerman, MN?
Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. Before seeking professional medical attention, you may try ibuprofen and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, if your symptoms worsen or won't go away, it's best to see a medical professional in Zimmerman, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a steroid injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bladder function, microdiscectomy surgery.
However, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Moreover, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are almost twice as likely to to fill an opioid prescription.
How Zimmerman, MN Chiropractors Can Help With 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. When you first see your Zimmerman, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely 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 come up with a personalized treatment plan aimed at getting you feeling even better than you did before your disc injury.
Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring alignment to the spine and relieving pressure on the nerves. The aim is to reduce pain and improve function.
When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal alignments. With various techniques, your Zimmerman, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, relieving pain as well as providing numerous other benefits. 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 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 think of chiropractors.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
Also called the Cox method, this uses a specific type of table with individual pieces to facilitate 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. 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 Zimmerman, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they might also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Zimmerman, 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 tailored herniated disc treatment plan in Zimmerman, 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 movement of related muscles. Massage therapy can help reduce that tension. 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 coming back down the road. Appropriate posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
- Patient education — We want you to feel good every day after your herniated disc treatment with us. 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 Zimmerman, 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.
Visit Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Zimmerman, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Zimmerman, MN. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for herniated disc treatment in Zimmerman, MN today.