Herniated Disc Treatment in Albertville, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Albertville, 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 just ease pain, but offer corrective care with the objecting of getting them back to optimal wellness. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Albertville, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for safe and effective 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 act as tough ligaments that cushion the spine and hold it together. They are filled with a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a firm outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. 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 annulus fibrosus tears and the inner disc leaks out. When the leaked material pushes up against 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.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your herniated disc, with some people having little to no 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 disrupts a nerve, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. The pain is almost always only on either your right or left side. While you may feel some pain in the location of the slipped disc, most pain will reach out 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 (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
- Lack of sensation — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also experience tingling in affected parts of the body.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the disrupted nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of exercise as the result of bed rest can cause certain body parts to become stiff.
Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more severe at a certain time of day, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when performing certain movements, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
Who Gets 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 has a male to female ratio of 2:1. Someone may be more likely to suffer a herniated disc with:
- Performing certain movements repeatedly
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Excessive weight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Not lifting with proper technique
- Smoking
- Old age
- Inactive lifestyle
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Albertville, 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 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 Albertville, MN. A medical doctor may advise a steroid injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bladder control, microdiscectomy surgery.
But, 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 be prescribed opioids.
Chiropractic For Albertville, MN Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. At your first chiropractic appointment in Albertville, MN, 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 work with you to create 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 range of motion.
Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Albertville, 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 symptoms 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 95% of practicing chiropractors. This technique involves using short thrusts over each joint, one at a time, to correctly align the spine and improve function. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
Also called the Cox method, this utilizes a specially designed table with individual pieces to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to expand and decompress 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 Albertville, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. While at their office, they might also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Albertville, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, endeavor to build relationships with all of our patients. Your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Albertville, MN may also include:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a nerve is compressed, it limits the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy can help free that tightness. Massage is particularly good at helping people who are experiencing 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 distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to provide 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 Albertville, 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 Albertville, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Albertville, MN, you can ease the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the odds of re-injury in the future, and feel better in your everyday life. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for herniated disc treatment in Albertville, MN today.
