Herniated Disc Treatment Loveland
When it comes to spinal health, one of the most common issues people face is a herniated disc. According to the NIH, 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and a significant proportion of those severe pain cases are due to disc herniation.
Through a carefully tailored combination of non-invasive techniques, chiropractic care has proven to be an effective option for herniated disc treatment, providing lasting relief for patients dealing with chronic back pain or discomfort.
How Can a Chiropractor Help with Herniated Disc?
Chiropractic care is an effective treatment for many patients living with herniated discs, as it can help reduce and even eliminate symptoms associated with this condition.
Using precise spinal adjustments, a chiropractor can restore proper function to spinal nerves in the affected area and promote healing.
Your chiropractor may also recommend exercises that support recovery and improve flexibility. Clearly, chiropractic care offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treating herniated discs and allowing people to get back on track.
Causes of Herniated Disc
Disk herniation is generally a consequence of the normal aging process. Over time, our disks become more rigid and potentially vulnerable to tears or ruptures due to even mild stretching for contortion.
Many people are unaware of symptoms or what induced their herniated disk, but routinely lifting heavy objects with your arms instead of your thighs and legs can be a factor.
While not common, herniated discs can also occasionally result from traumatic events like falls or injuries to spinal discs in the back.
Symptoms of Herniated Disc
Patients with a herniated disc can experience different symptoms, but those can vary depending on their case – Lumbar disc herniation or Herniated cervical disk.
According to Mayo Clinic, the most common herniated disc symptoms appear on the lower back, and one side of the body only and are the following:
- Arm or leg pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Fatigue and weakness
That being said, patients with a herniated cervical disk may also have the following symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in your arms
- Pain in the back and sides of the neck
- Increasing pain when turning the neck
- Pain near or between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the shoulder, arm, hands and fingers occasionally
As you understand, a herniated disk’s primary symptom is pain radiating from the affected disk toward the spine and other areas of the body. This pain can vary in severity, with some people experiencing a sharp or burning sensation while others feel more mild discomfort.
In addition, those impacted by a herniated disk may suffer numbness and tingling sensations in their extremities and muscle weakness, which can cause problems with balance and coordination when lifting objects.
This array of symptoms makes identifying a herniated disk particularly important so treatment can begin to prevent further injury.
Treatment Options
When suffering from a herniated disc, it is important to seek treatment. Depending on the severity and symptoms of herniated discs, a few initial steps can help alleviate the pain.
These are the most popular treatment options for a herniated disc:
- Chiropractic care
- Rest for 1 to 3 days
- Apply heat or ice to the affected area
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – Ibuprofen or Paracetamol
First, rest for up to three days but avoid staying in bed for extended periods of time as this may cause stiffness. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen can help with the pain as needed.
Applying cold or heat packs to put pressure on the affected area can also help ease the discomfort.
However, for more long-term relief and improved overall spine health, chiropractic care may be the best solution and the one we recommend at the Laser and Chiropractic Center of the Rockies.
When Should You Visit a Chiropractor?
Visiting a chiropractor at the first sign of possible herniated disc symptoms is recommended to ensure maximized recovery and prevent further damage.
A chiropractor can create customized treatment plans to suit each individual’s condition best and will continue to monitor recovery progress efficiently.
Depending on the severity of the injury and pain, your chiropractor may suggest either scheduled visits or more intensive rehabilitation sessions.
Discussing treatment options with them is important, as they will have an in-depth understanding of your current condition, enabling them to recommend proper treatments accordingly.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc
Relieve pain, improve mobility, reinstate functional mobility, and reduce inflammation
Assess the Herniated Disc’s Damage
Upon evaluation, the chiropractor will determine what type of manipulation or adjustment needs to be done and then provide targeted exercises to help restore alignment and stability.
In some cases, chiropractic care can also speed up a patient’s recovery rate and help them get back on their feet sooner.
Pain Relief
One of the primary benefits of chiropractic care for herniated disc is pain relief. A herniated disc can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, but chiropractic care can help to reduce this pain. Chiropractors may greatly help to relieve pain with techniques like spinal manipulation, massage, and electrical stimulation.
Faster Recovery
Chiropractic care can also help you to recover from a herniated disc more quickly. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you will start to see improvements in your symptoms.
Additionally, chiropractic care can help to prevent further injury by correcting any underlying problems that may have contributed to the condition.
About Our Chiropractor
Dr. Erickson is an esteemed and highly experienced chiropractor who graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA, in 1997.
Over the past 24 years, he has developed extensive knowledge when it comes to helping with issues associated with a herniated disc.
Dr. Erickson has the knowledge and experience to work through the most challenging cases, helping you find relief quickly and safely.
