Herniated Disc Treatment in Osseo, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Osseo, MN. Herniated discs can be painful, but there is hope. 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 form a team with our patients to not just ease pain, but offer a holistic treatment plan with the objecting of getting them back to optimal mobility and health. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Osseo, 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.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The spinal cord and nerve roots that control your body's movements pass through openings in each vertebra of your spine. The discs in our spine are tough, flexible cushions between each vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a firm circular exterior (annulus fibrosus). When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow us to bend, twist, and move, and create space so the nerves and spinal column are not disrupted.
A herniated disc is a spine-related injury that occurs when the annulus fibrosus 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 intervertebral discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most herniated discs are in the lower back 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. If the herniation is not interfering with a nerve, you may not feel any pain at all. People with herniated discs may experience:
- 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 pain in the location of the slipped disc, most pain will move to your extremities. 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). Neck and shoulder pain are common symptoms of herniated discs in the neck.
- Numbness — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also feel like a part of your body has slightly fallen asleep.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles controlled by the disrupted 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 are not always constant, and may be more worse at night, after staying in the same position for a long time, when bending, and when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.
Why Do Herniated Discs Happen?
About 2% of American adults experience a herniated disc annually It mostly occurs to people between 30 and 50 years old, and affects twice as many men as women. A herniated disc can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Being overweight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Not lifting with proper technique
- Smoking
- Aging
- Not regularly exercising
How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Osseo, 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 over-the-counter medications and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, eventually, you should seek professional treatment in Osseo, MN. A medical doctor may recommend a steroid injection, neuropathic drugs, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking 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 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
Chiropractic For Osseo, MN Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your specific situation. At your initial chiropractic appointment in Osseo, 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 aim is to reduce pain and improve function.
When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal alignments. In these adjustments, your Osseo, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, 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 95% of practicing chiropractors. With this technique, your chiropractor will utilize short 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 specific type of table with independent segments to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, elongate and decompress the spine, and reduce pressure on problematic discs. This technique rarely ever causes pain and many patients say that it feels good.
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 Osseo, MN chiropractor will show you how you can do this for yourself at home. During your adjustment, they might also guide you through safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.
Other Treatments
Osseo, MN chiropractors offer holistic care that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, endeavor to get to know our clients in their total health journey. Your tailored herniated disc treatment plan in Osseo, MN may also include:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a disc impinges on a nerve, it limits the mobility of the muscles that that nerve controls. Massage therapy can help free that tightness. 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 coming back in the future. Good posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. 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 in the moment. 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 Osseo, 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 Osseo, MN
Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Osseo, MN, you can ease pain, reduce the odds of re-injury in the future, and feel better in your everyday life. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine can be your partner in recovering from your injuries. Call us today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Osseo, MN today.