Delano, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Delano, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Delano, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but there is hope. 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 as a team with our patients to not just safe help your pain go away, 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 Delano, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online 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. The discs in our spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. They are made up of a gel-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 intact and functioning normally, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and create space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.

A herniated disc is a spine-related injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears and the nucleus pulposus leaks out. When the leaked material puts pressure on a nerve, it affects the body part that that specific nerve controls.

The human body has 23 discs in the spine, and any of them can become herniated. However, most occur in the lumbar region or neck.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Depending on the nature of your specific injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and you may or may not experience 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 move 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 (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
• Numbness — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also experience tingling in the body parts related to the nerve.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the affected nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of exercise as the result of bed rest can cause the body to stiffen.

Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more worse at night, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when bending, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Risk Factors For Herniated Discs

About 2% of American adults experience a herniated disc each year 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 for a herniated disc:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long period
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not being physically active

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Delano, MN

There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. At home, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Delano, MN. A medical doctor may prescribe a steroid injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bowel function, invasive procedures.

But, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Furthermore, people who see a chiropractor are less likely to need surgery, and people with back pain who choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be prescribed opioids.

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How Delano, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will depend on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. When you first see your Delano, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will probably take an X-ray. They'll also test your pain level reflexes, strength, and sensation in the body part related to the damages nerve. Then, they'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan aimed at getting you feeling even better than you did before your disc injury.

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 flexibility.

When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal alignments. With various techniques, your Delano, MN chiropractor will give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, reducing symptoms 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 95% of practicing chiropractors. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize 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

Also called the Cox technique, this utilizes a specific type of table with independent segments to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to elongate the spine and reduce pressure on damaged discs. Sessions are normally pain-free and, in many cases, pleasant.

The Pelvic Blocking Technique

Pelvic blocking involves putting to soft blocks under as support under the pelvis. This draws the disc away from the affected nerve. Your Delano, 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

Delano, MN chiropractors offer holistic care that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to build relationships with all of our patients. Your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Delano, MN may also include:

• 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 especially good at helping people whose symptoms include muscle spasms.
• Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms coming back down the road. 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 aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
• Patient education — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see 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 see us for your herniated disc treatment in Delano, 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.

Trust in Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Delano, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Delano, MN, you can ease the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the likelihood of re-injury in the future, and feel better than you did before. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, 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 through our website for herniated disc treatment in Delano, MN today.