Edina, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Edina, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Edina, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 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 in tandem with our patients to not only ease symptoms, but offer corrective care aimed at getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Edina, MN area, Speak to a member of our team 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 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 act as tough ligaments that cushion the spine and hold it together. They are made up of a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a firm outer layer (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow for a variety of movements, 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 ruptures the surface of the outer layer. When the leaked substance puts pressure on a nerve, it causes problems for the body part that that specific nerve is related to.

There are 23 spinal discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most occur 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. 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, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. The pain is usually reserved to either your right or left side. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will reach out 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). Herniated discs in the neck tend to cause pain in your upper extremities.
• Tingling — Either alongside or in the absence of 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 stemming from other symptoms can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

Symptoms can come and go, and may be more worse at a certain time of day, after staying in the same position for a long time, when performing certain movements, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Why Do Herniated Discs Occur?

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. A herniated disc can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Old age
• Not regularly exercising

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Edina, 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 ibuprofen and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Edina, MN. A medical doctor may advise a cortisone injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bladder function, invasive procedures.

But, the evidence demonstrates a chiropractor can also successfully treat 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 Edina, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will be based on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Edina, MN, your chiropractor may decide to 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 lifestyle changes, such as exercises to strengthen the spine and improve mobility.

When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Edina, 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 short thrusts over each joint individually to correctly align the spine and improve function. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people associate with chiropractic adjustments.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specific type of table with individual pieces to carry out gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to extend and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on problematic discs. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.

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 Edina, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your adjustment, they will also guide you through safe exercises during your session to further improve mobility.

Other Treatments

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

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it restricts the movement of related muscles. Massage therapy can help liberate that tension. Massage is particularly 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. 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 Edina, 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 Edina, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Edina, MN, you can ease the symptoms related to your herniated disc, reduce the chances of re-injury in the future, and feel better in your everyday life. 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 online for herniated disc treatment in Edina, MN today.