Herniated Disc Treatment

Burnsville, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Burnsville, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Burnsville, 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 form a team with the people who come to see us to not just mitigate pain, but offer corrective care aimed at getting them back to optimal wellness. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Burnsville, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online 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. Spinal discs are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are made up of a jelly-like material (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a firm circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the liquid-like center and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and add space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.

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 gel pushes up against a nerve, it affects the body part that that specific nerve controls.

There are 23 discs in the spine, and it's possible to suffer and injury to any of them. However, most herniated discs are in the lower back 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 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. People with herniated discs may experience:

  • 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 the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most most of the time pain will reach out 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 tend to cause pain in your upper extremities.
  • Numbness — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also experience a numbing sensation in affected parts of the body.
  • Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the affected nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause the body to stiffen.

Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more severe at night, 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. happens to people in the third to fifth decade in life, and affects twice as many men as women. Someone may be more likely to experience a herniated disc with:

  • Repetitive bending or twisting
  • Sitting in the same position for a long time
  • Obesity
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Poor technique when lifting
  • Smoking
  • Old age
  • Inactive lifestyle

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Burnsville, 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 disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Burnsville, MN. A physician may advise a steroid injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bladder control, a diskectomy.

But, 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 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.



Chiropractic For Burnsville, MN Herniated Disc Treatment

Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your specific situation. When you first see your Burnsville, 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 design 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 spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves. The aim is to reduce pain and improve function.

Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these adjustments, your Burnsville, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, easing pain as well as providing numerous other benefits. There are a variety of chiropractic techniques they may use in your treatment:


The Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is used by over 95% of practicing chiropractors. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize short 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

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specially designed table with individual pieces to carry out gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to expand 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 impinging on. Your Burnsville, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they may also guide you through safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.


Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Burnsville, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, want 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 Burnsville, MN:

  • Massage therapy Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it restricts the flexibility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to free that tension. Massage is particularly good at helping people whose 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 prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and distributes weight evenly across your body. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
  • Lifestyle tips — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see 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 Burnsville, 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.

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Visit Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Burnsville, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Burnsville, MN, you can ease pain, reduce the likelihood of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for herniated disc treatment in Burnsville, MN today.