Loretto, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Loretto, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Loretto, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but with the right treatment you can move past your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-surgical way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we partner with the people we treat to not only ease pain, but offer a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Loretto, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or schedule an appointment online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

The Anatomy of a Herniated Disc

The spinal cord, which sends messages between the brain and the rest of your body, passes upward through each vertebrae. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through holes on each side of the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs act as tough ligaments that cushion the spine and hold it together. They are filled with a gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, and have a firm circular exterior (annulus fibrosus) that protects the liquid-like center and connects the vertebrae. When healthy, these discs allow for a variety of movements, and create space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the outer layer tears and the inner disc leaks out. When the leaked gel impinges on 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 discs in the spine, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are 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 pain will reach out 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 (this is often referred to as 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 like your buttocks, leg, arm, or shoulder have slightly fallen asleep.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the damaged nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of physical activity as the result of bed rest can cause certain body parts to become stiff.

Symptoms can come and go, and may be more severe at a certain time of day, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when performing certain movements, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Who Gets Herniated Discs?

About 2% of adults in the U.S. suffer a herniated disc each year It mostly occurs to people between 30 and 50 years old, and affects twice as many men as women. Someone may be more likely to experience a herniated disc with:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long period
• Excessive weight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Old age
• Inactive lifestyle

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Loretto, MN

Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. Before seeking treatment from a professional, 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 Loretto, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a steroid injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as debilitating pain or loss of normal bladder function, a diskectomy.

But, studies show that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after a herniated disc. Furthermore, chiropractic care reduces the likelihood of 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 Loretto, 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. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Loretto, 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 develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at getting you feeling even better than you did before your disc injury.

Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves. The goal 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 Loretto, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts to safely realign your spine, relieving pain and improving function. 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. This technique involves using short thrusts over each joint individually to improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. 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 pieces to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, extend and decompress 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 cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. This draws the disc away from the affected nerve. Your Loretto, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your appointment, 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 Loretto, 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 Loretto, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the movement of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy works to reduce 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 reemerging in the future. Appropriate posture prevents your spine from becoming misaligned and prevents unequal weight distribution. We can also teach you tips for good posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
• 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 Loretto, 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 Loretto, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Loretto, MN. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for herniated disc treatment in Loretto, MN today.