How Chiropractors Treat Herniated Discs

Do you have frequent back pains that only seem to get worse as you go? While many reasons can cause back pain, you may also suffer from disc herniation. This problem with your spinal region can present many symptoms, some more critical than others.

While you can try other treatment alternatives like medication or surgery, chiropractors in Inglewood also provide treatment alternatives that can help ease your pain and improve the functioning of your body.

What Is Chiropractic Care?

It is a non-surgical treatment for the body, usually used to alleviate pain and improve relaxation in the bodies of patients. The chiropractor near you will not rely on a single technique to treat your body. Instead, chiropractors incorporate different strategies to improve the alignment of the body.

What Entails A Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs are among the most common reasons why patients visit chiropractors in 90304. Disc herniation happens to many people who suffer from back pain. It features a specific misalignment of the spine, placing unnecessary pressure on the rest of the discs thereof. When the disc is misaligned, it causes the inflammation of the nerve root, which is what causes the pain.

Once you have a disc herniation, any small issue, for example, sneezing, can trigger the progression of the problem. Therefore, where the herniation only caused back pain, it can progress to cause other problems like leg pain, loss of muscle strength, or sciatica.

​Treating Disc Herniation

A chiropractor has to thoroughly review your medical report by considering orthopedic and neurological exams. These exams will help the chiropractor treating you to fully master the state of your body before beginning any adjustments. Some of the areas of focus are:

1. Body reflexes – the physician must ascertain that your body reflexes are correct. This ensures that the nervous system in your body is sending the correct messages to the rest of your body.
2. Muscle strength and functionality – weaknesses in your muscles or even wasting of the muscles is a serious problem that would merit immediate treatment.
3. Power of feel and sensation – are you experiencing any loss of sensation along the line of your nerve?
4. Body posture – your stature when you stand, sit or lie down can tell a lot about your spinal alignment.

All those checks are necessary, to ensure that the health of your spine is intact and treatable. It is only after reviewing your medical state that a chiropractor can determine the type of disc injury and the right treatment thereof. For a herniated disc, here are some viable chiropractic treatments:

1. Flexion-distraction technique – a specialized table is used to help stretch out the spine, gently and painlessly. When your spine is stretched out on the table, your chiropractor can then isolate the affected area of your spine, to adjust it through a pumping rhythm. For this technique to be effective, you need several sessions. Not only that, but the chiropractor will incorporate other methods like muscle stimulation, physiotherapy, and even at-home remedies. All of them will work together to gradually align the herniated disc in your spine.
2. MUA – it stands for Manipulation under anesthesia. It is often performed in a hospital, where sedation is employed for a few minutes, otherwise called twilight sleep. In this state, a chiropractor adjusts and manipulates your spine for proper alignment. You will need between 1 and 3 sessions for the complete treatment.
3. Pelvic blocking treatments – involve gentle body exercises and the use of cushioned wedges. The cushioned wedges are used to draw your herniated disc away from the affected nerve. This is achieved by placing the wedges on each side of the pelvic.

Important Facts to Note

Do not rely on half-truths and misconceptions about chiropractic care for disc herniation. For one, the process is not a quick fix that can be done in just a few minutes. It does not involve quickly popping a disc in your spine in its place. Depending on how severe the problem is, the approaches used will take time and patience. Other than that, you can bank on the fact that chiropractic care entails gentle low-force methods to align your spine.