Between each spinal vertebra lies an intervertebral disc, acting as a cushion to absorb shock. With age, these discs wear down. Though often called “slipped discs,” they don’t slip. Rather, cracks in the tough outer layer cause gel-like material to protrude, pressuring the spinal cord or nerves and leading to pain.
An experienced chiropractor can help you fix herniated discs. Chiropractic adjustments like spinal manipulation are an alternative treatment that helps reduce the requirement for pain medication or surgical intervention.
Every patient is different, needing a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to ensure a desirable outcome for the ailment. To get started with the recovery process, look for herniated disc chiropractic.
What are the ways a Chiropractor treats Herniated Disc?
In some instances, chiropractic care can help reduce herniation while addressing pain and mobility problems. In others, chiropractic treatments are used with other treatments, such as surgical intervention.
A chiropractic clinic with a physiotherapist team can assist in managing pain, encouraging healing, and strengthening the supporting muscles. Most of the time, herniated disc chiropractic works best in conjunction with the physiotherapy techniques mentioned below-
- Massage therapy: Here, the therapist applies pressure to the muscles, which decreases tension, relieves nerve compression, improves circulation, and enhances flexibility.
- Electrical stimulation (ES) therapy: The physician hooks up electrodes to the affected area to deliver magnetic pulses that promote healing and reduce pain.
- Rehabilitation and strength training: Building muscle and increasing range of motion can reduce re-injury chances.
When you find a professional chiropractor near you, ensure they work closely with you to determine the best treatment for a herniated disc.
What are the common causes of a Herniated Disc?
Discs are squishy cushions made of cartilage that sit between the bones in your spine. They help protect your spine by keeping everything in place. Sometimes, if you strain your back or have an injury, a disc can slip out of place. This is called a herniated disc.
When you have a herniated disc, it can’t support your spine like it should. The part of the disc sticking out can press on nearby nerves and tissues, causing pain and numbness. It can also make the area feel weak.
Herniated discs can happen due to several internal and external issues. Common causes of disc herniation include the following-
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Overuse and Strain When Lifting
Strenuous activity can be a reason for disc herniation, especially in middle-aged and older men. Heavy lifting can cause strain on all parts of your back or the lumbar and cervical spine. You could risk disc compression even if you maintain good posture while moving heavy or unwieldy objects.
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Repetitive Twisting and Bending Motions
Twisting or bending the neck or lower back repeatedly can cause disc herniation in the cervical and lumbar spines. Such injuries are very common in physical labor jobs.
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Standing or Sitting in One Position
Sitting in a chair for a long time or standing in one spot, like at a register or assembly line, can be bad for your back. Staying in one position for too long can strain your spine.
Also, if you’re not active enough, the muscles in your back that support your spine can weaken. This makes it more likely for you to get a herniated disc, where a cushiony disc between your spine bones slips out of place and causes problems.
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Infection or Illness
If you have a neurological, degenerative, or autoimmune disorder, you might have a higher chance of getting a herniated disc. Also, if a tumor or some other growth is messing with the position of your spine, it could cause a disc to herniate. Even inflammation from an infection in your spine or nearby tissues could lead to a herniated disc.
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External Trauma
You might end up with a herniated disc after experiencing a sudden trauma to your body from the outside. This could happen if you fall from a height, get into a car accident, or get hit by something. Even if your back doesn’t take a direct hit, the strong force from the impact could still make a disc slip out of place.
If you have any of the above issues, rely on herniated disc chiropractic care.
How can you prevent a Herniated Disc?
Sometimes, you can’t stop a herniated disc from occurring. However, you can maintain a healthy spine and reduce your risk of injury by doing the following things-
- Staying a healthy weight: Carrying around excess weight can put more pressure on your spine.
- Exercising regularly: Keeping your muscles strong supports a healthy back.
- Good posture: Sitting and standing straight puts less strain on your back.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking takes a toll on your entire body, especially weakening the spine.
- Lifting properly: Don’t bend at the waist. When picking something up, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Your chiropractor may recommend things you can do to keep a healthy, aligned spine.
The bottom line
Herniated disc chiropractic is highly safe and effective. To eliminate your pain and find relief, contact Tropea Chiropractic Inc. to schedule an appointment for expert consultation. We offer personalized treatment options for herniated and bulging discs to help you on the path to recovery.