Bloomington, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Bloomington, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Bloomington, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, but with the right treatment you can overcome your symptoms. 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 alongside our patients to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a holistic treatment plan with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Bloomington, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

The Anatomy of a Herniated Disc

The spinal cord, which sends messages between the brain and the rest of your body, is protected by the vertebrae as it moves upward the spinal column. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through holes on each side of the vertebrae. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a firm circular exterior (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 add 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 gel impinges on a nerve, it affects the body part that that specific nerve controls.

The human body has 23 intervertebral discs, and it's possible to suffer and injury to any of them. However, most herniated discs are in the lower back or neck.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your herniated disc, 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. People with herniated discs may experience:

• 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 soreness in the location of the slipped disc, most pain will radiate 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 a numbing sensation in your buttocks, leg, shoulder, or arm.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the damaged nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of exercise 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 staying in the same position for a long time, when bending, 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. happens to people in the third to fifth decade in life, and affects twice as many men as women. There are many risk factors for a herniated disc:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Excessive weight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Poor technique when lifting
• Smoking
• Aging
• Not regularly exercising

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Bloomington, MN

Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. Before seeking treatment from a professional, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and applying heating pads and ice to the affected disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Bloomington, MN. A physician may prescribe a steroid injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bladder control, microdiscectomy surgery.

However, studies show that chiropractic is also an effective treatment for a herniated disc. Moreover, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are almost twice as likely to be prescribed opioids.

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How Bloomington, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your specific situation. When you first see your Bloomington, 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 work with you to develop 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 spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves. The aim is to reduce pain and improve function.

Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal alignments. In these sessions, your Bloomington, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, relieving pain as well as providing numerous other benefits. 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 short thrusts over each joint, one at a time, to correctly align the spine and improve function. The diversified technique results in the "popping" sound most people associate with chiropractic adjustments.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

Also called the Cox method, this utilizes a specific type of table with independent segments to carry out gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to expand and decompress the spine, and reduce tension between your discs, nerves, vertebrae and joints. Sessions are normally 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 Bloomington, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they will also guide you through safe exercises during your session to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

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

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the flexibility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy can help free that tightness. Massage is particularly 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. Good posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for good posture while lifting so you don't irritate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
• Lifestyle tips — We want you to feel good every day after your herniated disc treatment with us. 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 Bloomington, MN, your treatment plan will be personally tailored to you, and we will put you on the best path forward toward optimal movement health.

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

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Bloomington, MN, you can ease pain, reduce the odds of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for herniated disc treatment in Bloomington, MN today.