Herniated or slipped/ruptured disks are a spinal condition that can cause pain and discomfort. Our Chiropractors, at Vida Integrated Health, are healthcare professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal issues, including herniated disks. Here is what you should know about herniated disks, what their causes and symptoms are, and how we can help alleviate the negative symptoms:
What Is a Herniated Disk?
A disk serves as a cushion between the vertebrae in the spine and neck. It protects the spine and allows for flexibility and shock absorption. When a disk herniates, its inner material pushes through the outer layer. When it does this, it can put pressure on nerves near it, leading to pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness. A common location for herniated disks is in the lumbar region and cervical region. The condition is often caused by wear and tear. This wear and tear may be associated with aging, improper lifting techniques, repetitive movements, or trauma.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disk?
The symptoms of a herniated disk can vary in severity and location. You may experience pain in the neck or back as a primary symptom of a herniated disk. The pain you experience may be sharp, stabbing, or aching. This pain may move to the arms or legs if the nerves are compressed.
Herniated disks can also lead to numbness or tingling sensations in the back, neck, arms, or legs. When a herniated disk occurs in the lumbar region, it can irritate the sciatic nerve. This irritation can lead to pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the legs. You may also experience muscle fragility as the compression of nerves in the neck and back can cause weakness in the muscles that are connected to the affected nerves. Some individuals with herniated disks may also experience stiffness and limited range of motion due to pain and muscle tension.
What Are the Treatments for a Herniated Disk?
Chiropractors can use a variety of techniques to relieve pain due to a herniated disk. These treatments can also improve spinal alignment and promote the body’s natural healing process. Here are some common chiropractic treatments for herniated disks:
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the affected nerves. This manual technique may involve applying controlled force to the spine to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Mobilization Techniques
Chiropractic treatment for herniated disks may use mobilization techniques to gently move the spine, promoting flexibility and reducing muscle tension.
Therapeutic Exercises
Some chiropractic care can include prescribing specific exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles, stabilize the spine, and support the healing process. These exercises are tailored to your individual condition and may include stretching and strengthening exercises.
Modalities
Chiropractic care for herniated disks can include physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
Lifestyle Choices
Chiropractors can give you advice on maintaining proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomic adjustments at work or home to prevent further strain on the spine. They can also help guide you in other areas to reduce the chance of further herniated disks.
What Are Other Chiropractic Treatment Options?
Your chiropractic care for your herniated disk can include the treatments above and various other methods, depending on any additional issues you may have. Chiropractors may suggest trying myofascial release and decompression as an alternative method to help with a herniated disk or other issues. Myofascial decompression involves creating a suction using plastic or glass cups in order to stretch out and loosen tight muscles. It is also a great method for stimulating blood flow throughout the treated area. This can be done by both your Chiropractor or Physical Therapist.
Other treatment options may include soft tissue manipulation, adjusting bones, and laser therapy. After speaking with a chiropractor, they can give you a better understanding of what treatment is right for your specific condition and support you through your recovery.
Why Choose Our Chiropractors?
At Vida Integrated Health, our Chiropractors offer a variety of holistic treatments to help you reduce your herniated disk pain. We can combine treatments with Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Functional Medicine, and Physical Therapy. Herniated discs can reduce your overall well-being, but we can help by giving spinal adjustments, mobilization techniques, therapeutic exercises, etc. Consider our holistic treatments if you have any symptoms like numbness or pain in the back or neck. To learn more about herniated disks and the treatments we offer, contact Vida Integrated Health today!
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