Medina, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Medina, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Medina, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but you don't have to live with your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we partner with our patients to not only safe help your pain go away, but offer a holistic treatment plan with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Medina, MN area, Speak to a member of our 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, passes upward through each vertebrae. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through openings on the side of the vertebrae. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible pads between each vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a firm circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When healthy, these discs allow for a variety of movements, and add space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.

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 gel 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 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 herniated disc, with some people not experiencing any pain at all. Many people with a herniated disc do not experience any symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after the herniation. 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 one side of the body. While you may feel some pain in the location of the slipped disc, most pain will radiate to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in the lumbar region can cause pain in your lower back all the way down to your calves (this is often referred to as sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck may cause symptoms in your shoulder or arm.
• Tingling — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also experience a numbing sensation in the body parts related to the nerve.
• Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the disrupted 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 are not always constant, and may be more severe at night, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, when bending, and when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Why Do Herniated Discs Occur?

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. Someone may be more likely to experience a herniated disc with:

• Performing certain movements repeatedly
• Sitting in the same position for a long time
• Excessive weight
• Lifting heavy objects
• Poor technique when lifting
• Smoking
• Aging
• Not being physically active

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Medina, MN?

Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. At home, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected disc. But, if your symptoms worsen or won't go away, it's best to see a medical professional in Medina, MN. A physician may recommend a steroid injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bladder function, surgery.

But, studies show that chiropractic is also an effective treatment for 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 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.

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Chiropractic For Medina, MN Herniated Disc Treatment

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 Medina, MN, your chiropractor may decide to perform imaging tests. They'll also perform a physical examination, including testing the reflexes and strength of the affected body part. Then, they'll work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan that both reduces your symptoms and reduces your likelihood of sustaining another disc injury down the road.

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 adjustments, your Medina, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely realign your spine, easing symptoms as well as providing numerous other benefits. There are a variety of chiropractic techniques they may use in your treatment:

The Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is used by over 9 out of 10 practicing chiropractors. This technique involves using quick thrusts over each joint individually to improve spinal alignment, proper joint function, and mobility. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people think of when they're considering visiting a chiropractor.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

Also called the Cox method, this uses a specially designed table with individual pieces to facilitate 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. This technique rarely ever causes pain and many patients find they enjoy it.

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 pushing up against. Your Medina, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your sessions, they may also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Medina, 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 custom herniated disc treatment plan in Medina, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it limits the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy can help free that tension. Massage is especially good at helping people who are experiencing 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 and when performing other movements.
• Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to give you pain relief for a few days. 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 Medina, MN, your treatment plan will be personally tailored to you, and we will put you on the best path forward toward optimal movement health.

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

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