Richfield, MN

Herniated Disc Treatment in Richfield, MN

Herniated disc treatment in Richfield, MN. Herniated discs can be debilitating, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 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 safe help your pain go away, but offer corrective care with the objecting of helping them feel better every day. If you're experiencing pain and limited motion in the Richfield, MN area, call our team at Total Spine today at (763) 568-7869 or contact us through our website for safe and effective herniated disc treatment.

The Anatomy of 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. Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. They are filled with a jelly-like material (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 for a variety of movements, and add space so the nerves and spinal column can function properly.

A herniated disc is a spinal injury that occurs when the a fragment of the gel-like inner disc is pushed out of the outer layer. When the leaked material pushes up against a nerve, it causes problems for the body part that that specific nerve is related to.

The human body has 23 spinal discs, and any of them can become herniated. However, most occur in the lumbar region or neck.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herniated Discs?

Depending on the specifics of your injury, the severity of your symptoms can vary greatly, and you may or may not experience 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 usually reserved to one side of the body. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most pain will move 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 (herniated discs are a common cause of sciatica). Herniated discs in the neck may cause symptoms in your shoulder or arm.
• Tingling — 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 disrupted nerves can weaken if symptoms progress without any treatment. Lack of exercise as the result of bed rest can cause the body to stiffen.

Symptoms are not always constant, 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.

Why Do Herniated Discs Occur?

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

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

How Are Herniated Discs Treated in Richfield, MN?

There are a variety of herniated disc treatments available. Before seeking treatment from a professional, you may try ibuprofen and varying heat and ice therapy to the affected area. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Richfield, MN. A physician may prescribe a cortisone injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of serious symptoms such as difficulty standing or walking or loss of normal bowel function, microdiscectomy surgery.

But, studies show that chiropractic can also ease pain and restore function after 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 Richfield, MN Herniated Disc Treatment

Your chiropractic treatment for your herniated disc will depend on your medical history, activity level, age, and the specifics of your injury. At your first chiropractic appointment in Richfield, MN, your chiropractor will probably 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 holistic treatment plan that both reduces your symptoms and decreases your likelihood of sustaining another disc injury down the line.

Chiropractic care for herniated discs focuses on restoring spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves. The objective is to reduce pain and improve function.

Chiropractors are most known for giving what's called chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Richfield, MN chiropractor perform give quick, targeted thrusts on your back or neck in order to safely return vertebrae and discs to their proper alignment, relieving pain 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 quick thrusts over each joint individually to correctly align the spine and improve function. These are what cause the "popping" sound many people associate with chiropractic adjustments.

The Flexion-Distraction Technique

The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique uses a specific type of table with individual 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 damaged discs. Sessions are usually pain-free and, in many cases, enjoyable.

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 Richfield, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they may also help you perform safe exercises during your session to get further benefit.

Other Treatments

The herniated disc treatment you receive from your Richfield, MN chiropractor does not begin and end at chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, strive to get to know our clients in their total health journey. Your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Richfield, MN may also include:

• Massage therapy — Beyond just a chiropractor, we also have a licensed massage therapist in our office. When a disc presses up against a nerve, it restricts the mobility of related muscles. Massage therapy works to release that tightness. 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. Good 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 and when performing other movements.
• Patient education — We want you to feel good every day after your herniated disc treatment with 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 Richfield, 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 Richfield, MN

Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Richfield, MN. With safe techniques based on research and modern practices, Total Spine will work with you to recover from your injuries. Speak to a member of our team today at (763) 568-7869 or request an appointment online for herniated disc treatment in Richfield, MN today.