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Herniated Disc Treatment In Murfreesboro

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Herniated Disc Treatment

Our spine is like a stack of cushions and these cushions are the intervertebral discs that sit between your vertebrae. They have a gel-like center surrounded by a tough outer layer called the annulus, which keeps them in shape.

Now, a herniated disc, also known as a bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc, happens when the material inside the disc goes beyond its natural boundary also called the annulus. Imagine a piece of the disc being pushed out through a tear and into the spinal canal. This often occurs in the early stages of disc degeneration, a natural part of aging.

We commonly associate herniated discs with discomfort and pain. Next up, we’ll look into why herniated discs happen and what signs to watch for. We’ll also check out different chiropractic treatments to help you manage and ease the effects of this condition, giving you a straightforward guide.

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Symptoms Of Herniated Disc

One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of a herniated disc is pain. This discomfort is often accompanied by several other notable indicators, including:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Abnormal reflexes
  • Uncomfortable tingling
  • Sensory changes like leg or foot numbness or pins and needles

All these symptoms together give you a clear picture of the different ways a herniated disc can affect your body.

Types Of Herniated Disc

Depending on the disc’s integrity and whether it is exposed or not, there are three known types of herniated discs:

  1. Contained discs within an unbroken annular outer ring
  2. Non-contained discs within a broken but unexposed annular outer ring
  3. The exposed disc that is not contained within the broken annular outer ring

Herniated discs are also classified into a cervical herniated disc (neck), thoracic herniated disc(mid-back), and lumbar herniated disc (low back) according to their location in the spine.

Causes Of Herniated Disc

The most common causes of herniated discs are aging and injuries.

  • Disc degeneration is the result of aging, a natural process of human beings. It happens gradually as the disc’s outer annular rings weaken and the inner gelatinous-aqueous content decreases. This makes the rubbery cushions more fragile and easy to leak.
  • Trauma blows or bone fractures and injury to the spinal bones can also result in herniated discs. In this case, the pain appears abruptly, and the damage caused occurs quickly, unlike disc degeneration.
  • Lifting heavy objects and some sports can also lead to herniated discs. Increased pressure on the lower back can lead to ruptured discs, causing minor scratches over time.

Temporary Pain Relief

Here are some simple ways to temporarily relieve pain from a herniated disc:

  • Do strengthening exercises once the pain eases
  • Use hot and cold packs for 5 minutes, three times daily
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Stay active with gentle exercises and use a heating pad
  • Rest but avoid putting pressure on the herniated disc.
  • Be mindful of your posture throughout the day
  • Consider trying gentle stretching exercises to relieve tension

Try these easy steps to feel better from herniated disc pain temporarily. For long-term relief, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional and work out a personalized plan that suits you.

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs

Chiropractors play a crucial role in the comprehensive management of herniated discs, offering a holistic and non-invasive approach to alleviate pain and improve overall spinal health. Here’s an in-depth look at what chiropractors do for herniated discs and the treatment options available:

Spinal Manipulations
Chiropractors employ gentle adjustments to the spine, aiming to move the joints and reduce inflammation surrounding the herniated disc. These manipulations help reinforce the spine’s strength and enhance its natural healing abilities.

Spinal Decompression
Techniques such as spinal decompression are utilized to alleviate pressure on the affected disc, promoting the retraction of the herniation and facilitating the healing process.

Traction
Traction involves controlled stretching of the spine, which can help reduce pressure on the herniated disc, relieve nerve impingement, and improve overall mobility.

Exercises
Tailored exercises are prescribed to strengthen the supporting muscles of the spine. This not only aids in the recovery process but also helps prevent future occurrences of disc issues.

Some Additional Treatment Options

Massage Therapy
Chiropractors often include therapeutic massage in their treatment plans. This not only relaxes muscles around the affected area but also improves blood circulation, creating a healing-friendly environment. The hands-on approach of massage therapy works well with spinal adjustments, reducing discomfort, and promoting overall well-being.

Physical Therapy
Sometimes, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan involving physical therapy may be recommended. Physical therapists and chiropractors collaborate to address underlying issues contributing to the herniated disc. This can include exercises, stretching routines, and posture correction techniques to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall spinal stability.

Cold Laser Therapy
Chiropractors may use cold laser therapy, a non-invasive option, to speed up the healing process. Low-level laser light stimulates cellular activity, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain. It’s a safe and painless addition to a multifaceted approach for managing a herniated disc.

Nutritional Counseling
Chiropractors emphasize the importance of nutrition for overall health, including spine health. Nutritional counseling may be offered to guide patients toward an anti-inflammatory diet rich in nutrients that support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. A holistic approach to proper nutrition complements other treatments and contributes to long-term well-being.

Heat Therapy
Applying heat, whether through hot packs or infrared therapy, can be beneficial. It relaxes muscles, increases blood flow, and eases tension around the herniated disc. This therapy enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments and provides additional relief to patients.

How Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro Can Help Treat Patients In Murfreesboro

Are you dealing with Herniated Disc pain or discomfort, Our caring team is here for you in Murfreesboro, offering personalized care for herniated discs. We use a tailored approach that includes massage, physical therapy, modern laser therapy, nutritional guidance, and comforting heat therapy. Whether you’re seeking pain relief or want to manage your condition proactively.

Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro is here to guide you on a path to recovery and well-being. Schedule your appointment today to discover the easy and transformative care we provide for herniated disc treatment. Your journey to healing starts with us!

Book An Appointment

Request an appointment online by calling us on (615) 867-7693

You can also use the online booking tool below

Let us help to treat your Herniated Disc/Slipped Disc

Do not ignore your Herniated Disc/Slipped Disc, it can become worse overtime. It’s important to consult with the doctor and understand the root cause of Herniated Disc/Slipped Disc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I consult a Chiropractor for herniated discs?

Chiropractors are safe for relieving herniated discs. Most disc issues improve with safe, non-invasive and effective therapies such as chiropractic. They focus not only on relieving pain but also on reconnecting the brain-body communication.

Is there a quick cure for a herniated disc?

Chiropractic adjustments, heat and cold therapy thrice a day, massages, and letting pain control your activities are usually enough to treat mild or moderate herniated disc pain.

Is walking possible even if I have a herniated disc?

You can walk as long as the injury is mild or moderate. Walking problems appear when a herniated disc compresses the spinal cord causing muscle weakness and atrophy. This is very serious and requires immediate professional care.

What should I avoid doing if I have a herniated disc?

You should avoid any activity that strains your back like:

  • Cleaning the house and floors, washing the dishes
  • Smoking
  • Lying on your stomach
  • Sitting on a chair or couch for prolonged periods of time
  • Vacuuming
  • Lifting boxes or heavy objects

How long will it take to recover from a herniated disc if I don’t have surgery?

Most people do not need surgery to get rid of the pain of a herniated disc. If you rest and follow our recommendations, it is probable that  you will have recovered from the herniated disc in about four to eight weeks. Surgery is necessary when non-invasive treatments have failed to help, the pain continues and limits your life.

Is it safe and possible to go to the gym when I have a herniated disc?

You can go to the gym once the pain is under control and you are cleared by your chiropractor or doctor.  Eventually, it is necessary to strengthen the back muscles to balance the spine and keep the joints moving.  As long as the exercises are gradually increased and guided by a specialist, it is safe to go to the gym.

About The Author
photo of Dr Oscar Noriega DC
Author
Dr. Oscar Noriega, DC, is a trusted chiropractor who has been practicing for over ten years at Revolution Chiropractic Murfreesboro. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University. Dr. Noriega is also a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and the Tennessee Chiropractic Association. He resides in Murfreesboro with his wife and two children.