Herniated disc treatment in Maple Grove. Herniated discs can be painful and debilitating, but there is hope. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we work as a team with our patients to not just ease symptoms, but offer corrective care aimed at getting them back to optimal wellness. If you're suffering from pain and limited motion in the Maple Grove area, call our team at Total Spine 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 and send messages between the brain and the rest of your body pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. The discs in our spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and add space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.
A herniated disc is a spine-related injury that occurs when the outer layer tears and the inner disc leaks out. 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 associated with that nerve.
There are 23 discs in the spine, and any of them can become herniated. However, most occur in the lower back (lumbar region) or neck.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Depending on the nature of your specific injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and may or may not cause pain. If the herniation is not pressing up against a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. 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 almost always only on one side of the body. While you may feel some pain in the location of the slipped disc, most pain will radiate to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in your lower back can cause pain in your lower back, through your buttocks, thigh, calf, and possibly feet (this is often referred to as sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck may cause pain in your shoulder or arm.
Numbness or tingling — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also feel 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 exercise or physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause the body to stiffen.
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 bending, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
Chiropractic For Maple Grove Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your specific situation. When you first see your Maple Grove chiropractor, they'll likely take an X-ray and/or perform other 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 holistic treatment plan that both reduces your symptoms and reduces your risk of suffering another disc injury in the future.
Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these adjustments, your Maple Grove chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, reducing symptoms and improving function. 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. This technique involves using quick thrusts over each joint, one at a time, to improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people associate with chiropractic adjustments.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specially designed table with independent segments to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, stretch and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on problematic discs. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, pleasant.
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 Maple Grove 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 with the wedges in place to further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
Maple Grove chiropractors offer holistic care that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, we offer personalized treatment plans and strive to build relationships with all of our patients. Your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Maple Grove 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 release that tension and tightness. Massage is especially effective if your symptoms include muscle spasms.
Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms reemerging in the future. Good posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you tips for good posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
Patient education — Our goal isn't just to provide pain relief in the moment. We want you to feel good every day after your herniated disc treatment with us. We can also offer nutrition and exercise advice to reduce inflammation and make sure your discs are hydrated and functioning properly. 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 Maple Grove, we will find out exactly what we can do to help you, and put you on the best path forward toward optimal movement health.
Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Maple Grove
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Maple Grove, 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 that have proven to be effective, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Maple Grove today.
