Clearwater, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Clearwater, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Clearwater, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but with the right treatment you can overcome 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 form a team with the people who come to see us to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Clearwater, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online 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. Intervertebral discs are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are made up of a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a firm outer layer (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 create space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. When the leaked material impinges on a nerve, it causes problems for the body part that that specific nerve is related to.

The human body has 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?

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 — As the herniated disc presses against a nerve, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. The pain is usually reserved to one side of the body. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will radiate to other parts of your body. 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.
• Tingling — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also experience a numbing sensation 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 certain body parts to become stiff.

Symptoms can come and go, 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.

Risk Factors For Herniated Discs

About 2% of adults in the U.S. experience a herniated disc 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:

• Performing certain movements repeatedly
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Excessive weight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Aging
• Not regularly exercising

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Clearwater, 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 applying heating pads and ice to the affected disc. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Clearwater, MN. A physician may prescribe 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 function, microdiscectomy surgery.

However, studies show that chiropractic is also an effective treatment for 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.

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How Clearwater, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will be based on your specific situation. When you first see your Clearwater, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely perform imaging tests. 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 reduces your symptoms and decreases your likelihood of sustaining another disc injury in the future.

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.

When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these sessions, your Clearwater, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, relieving pain 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 9 out of 10 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 most people think of when they think of chiropractors.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

Also called the Cox technique, this uses a specially designed table with independent segments to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to stretch and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on damaged discs. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.

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 Clearwater, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they will also help you perform safe exercises during your session to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Clearwater, 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. We may also include the following in your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Clearwater, MN:

• 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 mobility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy works to liberate that tightness. Massage is particularly good at helping people whose 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. Appropriate posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned 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.
• Lifestyle tips — 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 come to us for your herniated disc treatment in Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Clearwater, MN, you can alleviate the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the likelihood 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 us today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Clearwater, MN today.