Dealing with a slipped disc can be a debilitating experience, often causing severe pain and limiting your ability to move freely. If you’re searching for ways to cure slipped disc pain in North College Hill, chiropractic adjustments might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This non-invasive treatment targets the root cause of your discomfort, helping to realign your spine and alleviate pressure on the affected nerves, bringing you one step closer to a pain-free life.
What is a herniated disk?
The spine has 23 disks between the vertebra. The disks help to cushion the spine. The disks are constructed of two parts. The center is a gel-like pulp known as the nucleus pulposus. The cartilage rings form a closed area around the nucleus. Sometimes, the cartilage rings can become fissured or damaged. When this happens, the nucleus can begin to seep into the gaps. The condition is painful because the bulge places pressure on the surrounding nerves.
A herniated disk is often mistakenly called a “slipped disk.” However, the disk does not slip. Instead, it bulges or herniates. The area can become injured from a joint movement shortage when this occurs. A lack of movement can prevent the disk from naturally pumping. Eventually, the cartilage will become dehydrated, which makes it prone to fissures and cracks. A herniated disk can cause extreme pain. Yet, a chiropractor can also provide herniated disk treatment.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Some people own herniated discs and do not indicate any signs. Symptoms differ depending on the location of the herniated disc.
Cervical disc herniation symptoms:
- Pain in the arm or hand
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness in the arms
- In extreme cases, decreased reflexes in the upper limbs with raised reflexes in the lower limbs
Lumbar disc herniation symptoms:
- Low back pain that crosses down the buttocks, legs, and feet
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness in the legs
- Decreased reflexes
Chiropractic Care and Herniated Discs
A chiropractor can help manage back pain and further herniated disc signs. At your initial appointment, your chiropractor will review your medical history, do a physical exam, and perform orthopedic and neurological tests. Your chiropractor will look for several things. The orthopedic and neurological exams can allow your chiropractor to answer these vital queries.
- Are the reflexes unharmed? That is, are your nerves sending messages correctly?
- Is there a loss of muscle power or symptoms of muscle wasting?
- Is there a loss of sensation along the path of a nerve?
The chiropractor will also carefully look at your posture, and they may order an X-ray or MRI, if necessary, to help with the diagnostic process. Chiropractors evaluate the entire spine. Even if you only have lower back pain, your chiropractor will examine your neck. They want to see how well your spine is functioning overall and remember: What happens in one area of your spine can influence other parts of your spine and body. After examining these details, your chiropractor can decide if you have an intervertebral disc injury. Your kind of disc injury will determine what treatments your chiropractor will utilize to handle your symptoms.
It is not just chiropractors treating your herniated disc treatment in West Chester; every chiropractor develops a treatment plan that may include spinal manipulation—also known as adjustments—and other chiropractic techniques to help ease your herniated disc symptoms. This will be an individualized treatment program, but it may contain manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. The specifics of your treatment plan are particular to your pain, level of activity, overall health, and what your chiropractor thinks is best. As with any treatment option, don’t hesitate to ask questions about what chiropractic treatments are being recommended and why. You want to ensure you understand what will be done and how it can help relieve your pain. Chiropractic treatment is secure and adequate for most patients when done perfectly.
Techniques chiropractors use to operate on patients with herniated discs.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
This spinal adjustment technique is designed to alleviate pressure on your discs. Using a specialized table, your chiropractor can gently stretch your spine. They will apply a light, rhythmic pumping force to the affected area. Flexion distraction is a gentle, pain-free procedure, ideal for patients experiencing severe pain. It can help move the herniated disc away from the affected nerve, reducing symptoms.
Pelvic Blocking Treatments
This technique employs cushioned wedges explicitly designed for chiropractic use. During the procedure, your chiropractor places these wedges under each side of your pelvis, a method known as pelvic blocking. This helps to move the herniated disc away from the affected nerve naturally. In addition to treating herniated discs, pelvic blocking can alleviate other conditions, such as headaches and bodily pain.
All-around
Understanding the relationship between slipped discs and chiropractic adjustments is crucial for anyone seeking relief from persistent back pain. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic approach that can help alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve overall spinal health. By addressing the root cause of the problem, rather than just masking symptoms, chiropractic adjustments provide a path toward long-term recovery and wellness. For those dealing with slipped disc pain, especially in North College Hill, exploring chiropractic options could be the key to regaining your quality of life.