Big Lake, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Big Lake, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Big Lake, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, 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 in tandem with our patients to not only mitigate pain, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at getting them back to optimal wellness. If you're experiencing pain and limited motion in the Big Lake, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

The spinal cord, which sends messages between the brain and the rest of your body, passes upward through each vertebrae. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through holes on each side of the vertebrae. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are made up of a jelly-like material (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a strong circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and create space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the outer layer tears and the inner disc leaks out. When the leaked material puts pressure on a nerve, it causes problems for the body part that that specific nerve is related to.

The human body has 23 intervertebral discs, 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 experience 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 — The affected nerve will signal to the brain that something is wrong, leading to pain. The pain is usually reserved to either your right or left side. 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 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.
• Lack of feeling — 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 affected nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. 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 staying in the same position for a long time, 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. There are many risk factors associated with herniated discs:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Being overweight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Poor technique when lifting
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not being physically active

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Big Lake, MN

There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. At home, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, if your symptoms don't get better and won't go away, you should seek professional treatment in Big Lake, MN. A medical doctor may advise a cortisone injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bowel function, invasive procedures.

But, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Moreover, people who are treated by a chiropractor are less likely to need surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.

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How Big Lake, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will be based on your specific situation. When you first see your Big Lake, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely perform imaging tests. 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 adjustments. With various techniques, your Big Lake, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, reducing symptoms 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 9 out of 10 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 many people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specially designed table with individual pieces to carry out 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, pleasant.

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 Big Lake, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your sessions, they might also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Big Lake, 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 Big Lake, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it limits the movement of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy works to liberate that tightness. Massage is especially good at helping people who are experiencing 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 distributes weight evenly across your body. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting so you don't irritate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
• Lifestyle tips — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see 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 Big Lake, 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.

Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Big Lake, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Big Lake, 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 contact us online for herniated disc treatment in Big Lake, MN today.