Herniated Disc Treatment in Robbinsdale, MN
Herniated disc treatment in Robbinsdale, MN. Herniated discs can be excruciating, but there is hope. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-surgical way to treat herniated discs and ease the pain. At Total Spine Health & Injury Center, we work in tandem with our patients to not just safe help your pain go away, but offer corrective care aimed at helping them feel better every day. If you're suffering from symptoms associated with a herniated disc in the Robbinsdale, MN area, Speak to a member of the Total Spine team 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 gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) that asks as a shock absorber, and have a strong outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the disc and connects the vertebrae. When intact and functioning normally, these discs allow our spines to move in a variety of ways, and add space between the nerves and where they exit the spinal column.
A herniated disc is a spine-related injury that occurs when the a fragment of the gel-like inner disc ruptures the surface of the outer layer. When the leaked substance puts pressure on a nerve, it disrupts how the nerve communicates with the brain and causes symptoms in the body part associated with that nerve.
The human body has 23 discs in the spine, and any of them can become herniated. 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 injury, 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. Common symptoms of herniated discs include:
- Pain — As the herniated disc disrupts a nerve, that nerve can send pain signals to the brain. The pain is usually reserved to one side of the body. While the location of the herniated disc may be sore, most most of the time symptoms will move to other parts of your body. A herniated disc in the lumbar region 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 pain in your shoulder or arm.
- Lack of feeling — Instead of or in addition to pain, you may also feel like your buttocks, leg, arm, or shoulder have slightly fallen asleep.
- Weakness and stiffness — The muscles related to the disrupted nerves can weaken if the disc is left untreated. Lack of physical activity stemming from other symptoms can cause certain body parts to become stiff.
Symptoms are not always constant, and may be more worse at a certain time of day, after standing, sitting, or walking for long periods, 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. happens to people in the third to fifth decade in life, and affects twice as many men as women. A herniated disc can happen for numerous reasons:
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Obesity
- Lifting heavy objects
- Poor technique when lifting
- Smoking
- Old age
- Not regularly exercising
Treatment Options For a Herniated Disc in Robbinsdale, 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 anti-inflammatory medications and applying heating pads and ice to the affected disc. But, eventually, it's best to see a medical professional in Robbinsdale, MN. A medical doctor may prescribe a steroid injection, opioids, physical therapy, or, in the case of severe symptoms such as weakness or loss of normal bladder control, a diskectomy.
However, 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 did not get chiropractic treatment are 64% more likely to receive a prescription for opioids.
Chiropractic For Robbinsdale, MN Herniated Disc Treatment
Your chiropractic herniated disc treatment will depend on your specific situation. When you first see your Robbinsdale, MN chiropractor, your chiropractor may decide to perform imaging tests. 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 eases pain and decreases your likelihood of suffering another disc injury in the future.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat herniated discs, including massage, traction, and adjustments. They will also often give advice on lifestyle changes, such as exercises to strengthen the spine and improve range of motion.
When most people think of chiropractors, the think of chiropractic adjustments, or spinal adjustments. With various techniques, your Robbinsdale, MN chiropractor carry out give quick, targeted thrusts to safely return vertebrae and discs to where they should be, relieving symptoms and improving function. Spinal adjustments may involve any one or several of different chiropractic techniques:
The Diversified Technique
The diversified technique is used by over 95% of practicing chiropractors. This technique involves using 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're considering visiting a chiropractor.
The Flexion-Distraction Technique
The Cox/Flexion-Distraction technique utilizes a specific type of table with independent segments to perform gentle and rhythmic adjustments. The adjustments, combined with the movements of the table, expand and decompress the spine, and reduce tension between your discs, nerves, vertebrae and joints. Sessions are normally pain-free and, in many cases, pleasant.
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 Robbinsdale, MN chiropractor can teach you this effective pain-relieving strategy so you can do at home. While at their office, they might also help you perform safe exercises with the wedges in place to get further benefit.
Other Treatments
Robbinsdale, MN chiropractors offer holistic care that goes well beyond chiropractic adjustments. At Total Spine, endeavor to get to know our clients in their total health journey. We may also include the following in your custom herniated disc treatment plan in Robbinsdale, MN:
- Massage therapy — In addition to a chiropractor, our team also includes a licensed massage therapist. When a nerve is compressed, it restricts the movement of related muscles. Massage therapy works to free 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 down the road. Good posture keeps your spine in correct alignment and prevents unequal weight distribution. We'll help you understand tips for correct posture while lifting and when performing other movements.
- Lifestyle tips — Our goal isn't just to offer 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 Robbinsdale, 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 Robbinsdale, MN
Most herniated discs can be healed effectively with professional chiropractic care in Robbinsdale, MN. With safe techniques that have proven to be effective, 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 Robbinsdale, MN today.