Herniated Disc Treatment in Hanover, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Hanover, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but you don't have to live with 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 in tandem with the people who come to see us to not only mitigate pain, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at helping them feel better every day. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Hanover, MN area, Speak to a member of our team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us online for meaningful and lasting herniated disc treatment.
What Is 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 filled with a jelly-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a tough circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, 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 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 disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part related to that nerve.
There are 23 spinal discs, and it's possible to sustain and injury to any of them. However, most occur in the lumbar region 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 almost always only on one side of the body. While you may feel some soreness in the location of the slipped disc, most most of the time symptoms 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 sensation — Either alongside or in the absence of pain, you may also feel tingling in your buttocks, leg, shoulder, or arm.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the affected nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause certain body parts to become stiff.
Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more worse at a certain time of day, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when bending, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
Risk Factors For Herniated Discs
About 2% of adults in the U.S. experience a herniated disc annually It mostly occurs to people between 30 and 50 years old, and affects twice as many men as women. There are numerous risk factors for a herniated disc:
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Being overweight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not being physically active
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Hanover, MN?
Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. At home, you may try ibuprofen and applying heating pads and ice to the affected area. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Hanover, MN. A physician may advise a cortisone injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bladder control, surgery.
However, studies show a chiropractor can also successfully treat a herniated disc. Furthermore, 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 Hanover, MN Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs
Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will be based on your specific situation. When you first see your Hanover, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor will likely 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 comprehensive treatment plan that both eases pain and decreases your likelihood of suffering another disc injury down the line.
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 Hanover, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, relieving symptoms 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. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize quick thrusts over each joint, one at a time, 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 technique, this uses a specially designed 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 tension between your discs, nerves, vertebrae and joints. 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 helps move the bulging or herniated disc away from the nerve it's affecting. Your Hanover, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your sessions, they will also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.
Other Treatments
The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Hanover, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to build relationships with all of our patients. Your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Hanover, MN may also include:
- Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it limits the flexibility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy works to free that tightness. Massage is especially 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. Appropriate posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting so you don't aggravate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
- Lifestyle tips — We want you to leave your herniated disc treatment feeling better than you did before you came to see us. We show you things you can do on your own for longevity and quality of life, movement and mobility.
When you see us for your herniated disc treatment in Hanover, MN, your treatment plan will be personally tailored to you, and we will put you on the best path forward toward living your best life.
Call Total Spine For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Hanover, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Hanover, MN, you can ease pain, reduce the chances 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 us today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Hanover, MN today.