Plymouth, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Plymouth, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Plymouth, 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 partner with our patients to not just ease symptoms, but offer a holistic treatment plan with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're experiencing pain and limited motion in the Plymouth, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team today at (763) 568-7869 or make an appointment online for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

The Anatomy of a Herniated Disc

The spinal cord, which controls your body's movements, is protected by the vertebrae as it moves upward the spinal column. Nerve roots connect to the spinal cord through openings on the side of the vertebrae. The discs in our spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. They are filled with a gel-like fluid (nucleus pulposus) that allows for shock absorption and movement, which is protected by a firm outer layer (annulus fibrosus). 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 a fragment of the gel-like inner disc ruptures the surface of the outer layer. When the leaked substance 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 it's possible to sustain and injury to any of them. However, most herniated discs are in the lumbar region or neck.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Depending on the nature of your specific injury, your symptoms may be mild or severe, and you may or may not feel pain. If the herniation is not pressing up against 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 either your right or left side. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most most of the time pain will move to your extremities. A herniated disc in your lower back 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 upper extremities.
• Numbness — 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 symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of exercise 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 staying in the same position for a long time, when performing certain movements, 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. It mostly occurs to people between 30 and 50 years old, and has a male to female ratio of 2:1. A herniated disc can happen for numerous reasons:

• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Sitting in the same position for a long period
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Not lifting with proper technique
• Smoking
• Aging
• Not regularly exercising

Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Plymouth, MN

Your herniated disc treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and where the disc is located. Before seeking professional medical attention, you may try anti-inflammatory medications and applying heat packs and ice to the affected area. But, if your symptoms worsen or won't go away, you should seek professional treatment in Plymouth, MN. A physician may advise a steroid injection, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bladder control, microdiscectomy 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 choose non-chiropractic treatment options are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.

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How Plymouth, MN Chiropractors Can Help With Herniated Discs

Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will be based on your specific situation. When you first see your Plymouth, MN chiropractor, 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.

Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. In these adjustments, your Plymouth, 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 the most common chiropractic technique in the world. 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. The diversified technique results in the "popping" sound most people think of when they think of chiropractors.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specific type of table with individual pieces to facilitate gentle and rhythmic adjustments. Your chiropractor will leverage the movements of the table to elongate the spine and reduce pressure on herniated discs. Sessions are normally pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.

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 Plymouth, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. During your adjustment, they will also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

Plymouth, MN chiropractors offer holistic care that goes far beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to build relationships with all of our patients. Your personalized herniated disc treatment plan in Plymouth, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — In addition to 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 tension. Massage is particularly 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 in the future. Appropriate posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and distributes weight evenly across your body. We can also teach you tips for correct posture while lifting so you don't irritate a herniated disc when you're physically active.
• 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth, MN

Most herniated discs do not require surgery or other invasive methods. With professional chiropractic care in Plymouth, MN, you can alleviate pain, reduce the likelihood 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 request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Plymouth, MN today.