Chiropractic care is the answer if you're looking for a non-surgical treatment option for herniated discs. However, how do chiropractors deal with a herniated disc?
What is a "slipped" Disc, exactly? Is it the same as a Disc Herniation?
There is an intervertebral disc between each vertebra of the spine, with the exception of the first two vertebrae in the neck, the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). Discs provide flexibility while acting as a shock absorber and a shock distributor. Consider what would happen if you jumped up and down. What would
happen to the spine's bony vertebrae if these discs weren't there to cushion and support them? Make a
side-to-side movement with your back. You can see the give and take of the discs between the vertebrae once more. Your spine would be unable to operate without these discs. Although the term
"slipped disc" has come to refer to bulging, ruptured, or herniated discs, intervertebral discs do not
actually "slide". The annulus fibrosus (the stiff outer layer) and the nucleus pulposus make up your discs (which contain a soft, gelatin-like center). When the outer layer of a disc splits, the material inside the disc can start to push out. A herniated disc can be caused by various circumstances. For example, excessive stress on the disc may be caused by bad posture or being overweight. A herniated disc can be caused by several things, including a physical injury.
Is it possible to get a herniated disc from sneezing?
For many people, the back pain caused by a herniated disc begins slowly and gradually worsens until you experience symptoms such as back discomfort. Take, for example, a sneeze that causes a strong ache in
your back. The pain then leads to leg pain, sometimes known as sciatica. It's possible that the sneeze initiated the progression of an underlying herniated disc. Yes, a sneeze can cause an intervertebral disc to herniate.
Chiropractic Care and Herniated Discs:
A chiropractor can treat back pain and other herniated disc symptoms. Your chiropractor will review
your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and administer orthopedic and neurological tests
on your first visit. Your chiropractor may examine several things. These are essential concerns that your
chiropractor can address with the use of orthopedic and neurological exams. Are your reflexes still
working? That is, are your nerves transmitting the right messages? (When the doctor hits your knee with a small hammer, your leg jumps up, this is a standard reflex test.) Is there any evidence of muscle
atrophy or a reduction of muscle strength? Is there a loss of sensation along a nerve's path? The
chiropractor will also examine your posture and, if necessary, may order an X-ray or an MRI to aid in the diagnosis process. Chiropractors provide a thorough examination of the entire spine. Your chiropractor will examine your neck, for example, even if you only have lower back pain. A chiropractor wants to see how well your spine functions overall, and keep in mind that what happens in one region of your spine can impact other portions of your spine and/or body. Your chiropractor can tell if you have intervertebral disc damage after analyzing this information. The therapies your chiropractor will employ to alleviate your symptoms will be determined by the type of disc injury you have. Some chiropractic care techniques are not appropriate for some people. For example, if you have cauda equina syndrome, you should get medical attention right away because your chiropractor will not be able to help you. Furthermore, if your chiropractor discovers advanced weakness, feeling, reflexes, or other uncommon neurological abnormalities, they will recommend you to a spine surgeon. Most intervertebral disc injuries are caused by a herniated disc, and your chiropractor can provide you with treatment choices to alleviate your pain and other symptoms. To assist relieve the symptoms of a herniated disc; your chiropractor will create a treatment plan that may include spinal manipulation (commonly known as adjustments) and other chiropractic methods. Manual therapy and therapeutic exercises may be used in this tailored treatment plan.
Some chiropractic methods for herniated discs are listed below:
The technique of flexion-distraction:
The flexion-distraction technique is a standard chiropractic treatment that can treat herniated disc problems. The use of a customized table that gently "distracts" or extends the spine is known as flexion- distraction. This allows the chiropractor to isolate the problem location while employing a pumping pattern to slightly "bend" the spine.
Manipulation under Anesthesia (MUA)
Manipulation under anesthesia, or MUA, is a chiropractic treatment that is appropriate for some spinal disorders. MUA is done at a hospital or ambulatory care center. The form of anesthesia used is known as twighlight sleep, which means that sleep and sedation are only for a few minutes. The chiropractor stretches and manipulates the treatment area while the patient is anesthetized. This treatment is usually done in a series of one to three sessions spaced two to four weeks apart.
Pelvic Blocking Techniques for Herniated Discs
Chiropractors can also treat herniated disc problems with pelvic blocking techniques. Cushioned wedges are inserted beneath each side of the pelvis as part of the pelvic blocking treatment. Exercises that are gentle can also be used. Changes in mechanics will allow your disc to move away from any nerves it may be pressing on.
Misconceptions about Chiropractic
It's a common myth that chiropractors use strong adjustments to "pop a disc back in place." The "pop" sound is caused by the expulsion of gas from a joint under pressure. It sounds like the sound of a can of soda being opened. Another myth is that chiropractic care consists of a few fast treatments that will "repair" your disc. Chiropractors treat herniated discs with gentle, low-force procedures, as mentioned above.
In conclusion:
Your chiropractor will create a treatment plan for your herniated disc and your symptoms do not
improve with chiropractic care, your chiropractor may refer you to a pain management specialist and/or a spine surgeon for co-management.
Visit Sheets Chiropractic Center for any queries or treatment.
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