Blaine, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Blaine, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Blaine, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but you don't have to accept your symptoms. 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 the people we treat to not only ease pain, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan with the objecting of getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing pain and limited motion in the Blaine, MN area, call our team at Total Spine 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, which controls your body's movements, passes upward through each vertebrae. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through holes on each side of the vertebrae. Spinal discs are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a strong circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). 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 a fragment of the gel-like inner disc is pushed out of the outer layer. When the leaked material pushes up against a nerve, it disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part associated with that nerve.

The human body has 23 spinal discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lower back or neck.

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. If the herniation is not interfering with a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. People with herniated discs may experience:

• Pain — As the herniated disc interferes with a nerve, you can feel pain in the body part that nerve controls. The pain is almost always only on one side of the body. While you may feel some soreness in the location of the slipped disc, most pain will move to other parts of your body. 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). Herniated discs in the neck may cause pain in your upper extremities.
• Tingling — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel like your buttocks, leg, arm, or shoulder have slightly fallen asleep.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the affected nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of exercise as the result of bed rest can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

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.

Risk Factors For 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 has a male to female ratio of 2:1. Someone may be more likely to suffer a herniated disc with:

• Performing certain movements repeatedly
• Sitting in the same position for a long period
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Poor technique when lifting
• Smoking
• Aging
• Not being physically active

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Blaine, 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 anti-inflammatory medications and applying heating pads and ice to the affected area. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Blaine, MN. A medical doctor may prescribe a cortisone injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bowel function, a diskectomy.

However, the evidence demonstrates that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Furthermore, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who did not get chiropractic treatment are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.

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How Blaine, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will depend on your specific situation. When you first see your Blaine, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor may decide to 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 design a comprehensive treatment plan that both reduces your symptoms and decreases your risk of suffering another disc injury down the line.

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.

When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal alignments. In these adjustments, your Blaine, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, easing 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 individually to correctly align the spine and improve function. These are what cause the "popping" sound most people associate with chiropractic adjustments.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

Also called the Cox method, this uses a specific type of table with individual pieces to perform 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 normally pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.

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 pushing up against. Your Blaine, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your sessions, they may also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

Blaine, MN chiropractors offer a treatment aimed at your continuing wellness that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to get to know our clients in their total health journey. We may also incorporate the following in your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Blaine, MN:

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the flexibility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to liberate that tension. Massage is especially good at helping people who are experiencing muscle spasms.
• Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms reemerging down the road. Good posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and prevents unequal weight distribution. We can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
• Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to provide pain relief for a few days. 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 come to us for your herniated disc treatment in Blaine, MN, we will find out exactly what we can do to help you, and put you on the best path forward toward living your best life.

Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Blaine, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Blaine, MN, you can alleviate pain, 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 can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Blaine, MN today.