Fridley, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Fridley, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Fridley, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, 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 the people we treat to not just 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 Fridley, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

What Is 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 made up of a gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, which is protected by a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, 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 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 causes problems for the body part that that specific nerve controls.

The human body has 23 spinal 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

Depending on the nature of your specific injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and you may or may not feel 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 almost always only on one side of the body. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most most of the time pain will move to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in your lower back can cause pain in your lower back, through your buttocks, thigh, calf, and possibly feet (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck may cause pain in your shoulder or arm.
• Lack of feeling — 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 physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause the body to stiffen.

Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more severe at night, after staying in the same position for a long time, when bending, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.

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 has a male to female ratio of 2:1. A herniated disc can happen for numerous reasons:

• Performing certain movements repeatedly
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Being overweight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Poor technique when lifting
• Smoking
• Old age
• Inactive lifestyle

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Fridley, MN

There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. At home, you may try ibuprofen and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Fridley, MN. A physician may prescribe a cortisone injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bowel function, invasive procedures.

But, studies show 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 did not get chiropractic treatment are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to to fill an opioid prescription.

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Chiropractic For Fridley, MN Herniated Disc Treatment

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 Fridley, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely 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 work with you to develop a holistic treatment plan that both eases pain and reduces your risk of experiencing another disc injury down the road.

Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring alignment to the spine and relieving pressure on the nerves. The objective is to reduce pain and improve function.

When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Fridley, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, easing pain 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 improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. These are what cause the "popping" sound most people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

Also called the Cox method, this utilizes a specific type of table with individual segments to carry out gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to 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 pushing up against. Your Fridley, 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 with the wedges in place to further improve mobility.

Other Treatments

Fridley, MN chiropractors offer holistic care that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to get to know our clients in their total health journey. Your tailored herniated disc treatment plan in Fridley, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it limits the flexibility of related muscles. Massage therapy can help release that tightness. Massage is especially effective if your symptoms include muscle spasms.
• Posture correction — Good posture can not only help prevent herniated discs, but can reduce the likelihood of symptoms reemerging down the road. Correct posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and distributes weight evenly across your body. 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 — 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 Fridley, 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.

Visit Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Fridley, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Fridley, MN. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Fridley, MN today.