Shakopee, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Shakopee, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Shakopee, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but you don't have to live with the limits it places on your life. 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 the people who come to see us to not only ease pain, but offer corrective care aimed at getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Shakopee, 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 and nerve roots that control your body's movements pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. The discs in our spine act as tough ligaments that cushion the spine and hold it together. They are made up of a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, which is protected by a strong outer layer (annulus fibrosus). When intact and functioning normally, 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 material puts pressure on a nerve, it disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part related to that nerve.

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.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Depending on the specifics of your injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and you may or may not feel pain. If the herniation is not pressing up against a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. People with herniated discs may experience:

• Pain — As the herniated disc presses against a nerve, you can feel pain in the body part that nerve controls. The pain is usually reserved to one side of the body. While you may feel some pain in the location of the slipped disc, 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.
• Numbness — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel like a part of your body has slightly fallen asleep.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the damaged nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more worse at a certain time of day, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when bending, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

Who Gets Herniated Discs?

About 2% of American adults suffer a herniated disc 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 numerous reasons:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long period
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not being physically active

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Shakopee, MN?

There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. At home, you may try over-the-counter medications and applying heat packs and ice to the affected disc. But, if your symptoms worsen or won't go away, you should seek professional treatment in Shakopee, MN. A physician may advise a cortisone injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bowel function, invasive procedures.

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 1.5 to 2 times more likely to to fill an opioid prescription.

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How Shakopee, MN Chiropractors Treat 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 Shakopee, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor may decide to take an X-ray. They'll also perform a physical examination, including testing the reflexes and strength of the affected body part. Then, they'll design a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and decreases your likelihood of suffering another disc injury down the road.

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 alignments. In these adjustments, your Shakopee, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, relieving pain 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 think of chiropractors.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specific type of table with independent pieces 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 herniated discs. This technique rarely ever causes pain and many patients find they enjoy it.

The Pelvic Blocking Technique

Pelvic blocking involves putting cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. This helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's impinging on. Your Shakopee, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. While at their office, they may also guide you through safe exercises during your session to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Shakopee, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to get to know our clients in their total health journey. Your tailored herniated disc treatment plan in Shakopee, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it restricts the movement of related muscles. Massage therapy can help free that tension. Massage is particularly 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. Correct posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
• Patient education — Our goal isn't just to give you pain relief for a few days. We can also offer nutrition and exercise advice to reduce inflammation and make sure your discs are hydrated and healthy.

When you see us for your herniated disc treatment in Shakopee, MN, your treatment plan will be personally tailored to you, and we will put you on the best path forward toward living your best life.

Trust in Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Shakopee, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Shakopee, MN, you can ease pain, reduce the chances of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Shakopee, MN today.