Herniated Disc Treatment in Champlin, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Champlin, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but with the right treatment you can move past 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 safe help your pain go away, but offer a holistic treatment plan aimed at helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from pain and limited motion in the Champlin, 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 and nerve roots that send messages between the brain and the rest of your body pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. Spinal discs are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are made up of a gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a firm circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and create space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.
A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears and the inner disc leaks out. When the leaked material pushes up against a nerve, it causes symptoms in the body part that that specific nerve controls.
There are 23 intervertebral discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most occur in the lower back or neck.
What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?
Symptoms vary based on the severity and location of your injury, with some people having little to no 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 one side of the body. While you may feel some pain in the location of the slipped disc, most pain will reach out to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in the lumbar region 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 tend to cause symptoms in your upper extremities.
- Numbness — 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 damaged 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 worse at night, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when bending, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.
Why Do Herniated Discs Happen?
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 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
- Aging
- Not being physically active
Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Champlin, 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 varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Champlin, MN. A medical doctor may recommend 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, studies show that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Moreover, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
How Champlin, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your Champlin, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely take an X-ray. 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 create a comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and decreases your likelihood of sustaining 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.
Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these sessions, your Champlin, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, easing 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. The diversified technique results in the "popping" sound most people think of when they think of chiropractors.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specific type of table with independent segments 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. This technique rarely ever causes pain and many patients find they enjoy it.
The Pelvic Blocking Technique
Pelvic blocking involves putting cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. This helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's impinging on. Your Champlin, 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 further improve mobility.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Champlin, 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. Your tailored herniated disc treatment plan in Champlin, MN may also include:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist on our team. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it restricts the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to free that tension. Massage is particularly effective if your 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. Correct posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We can also teach you tips for good posture while lifting so you don't irritate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
- Patient education — Our goal isn't just to give you 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 see us for your herniated disc treatment in Champlin, MN, 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 Champlin, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Champlin, MN, you can alleviate the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the chances of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. 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 request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Champlin, MN today.