A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of back pain and one of the most feared conditions that can occur to a person. A disc herniation is a very uncomfortable event that can significantly affect your quality of life everyday.
While some patients recover with relatively minor consequences, others can be compelled to cease working, depend on prescription opioids almost constantly or even resort to surgery as a last resort for crippling pain relief.
Fortunately, there are numerous solutions to this unpleasant problem. The most advantageous option is chiropractic care. Are you unsure if chiropractic care for a disc herniation is the best option for you? Continue reading to learn more about this sensible medical option.
What Is A Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when a disc in the spinal column ruptures, causing the “disc protrusion”—the inner, gel-like disc center—to push through the outer, fibrous wall of the disc. The low back is where the rupture most frequently occurs, though it can occur elsewhere along the spinal column.
The interior material of a ruptured disc may press against surrounding nerves, resulting in pain, numbness and weakness in the legs.
The signs and severity of a disc herniation can vary depending on where the rupture occurs.
For instance, if a rupture occurs in the lower back, the sciatic nerve may be easily pushed into and this could result in significant symptoms such as pain that radiates down one or both legs, muscle weakness or leg spasms. It may also result in a loss of feeling in the feet.
How Do Chiropractic Treatments Aid In The Treatment Of Herniated Discs?
Chiropractic treatment for herniated discs may include soft tissue treatment, muscular strengthening, flexibility exercises, joint manipulation and heat stimulation.
While there are a few hypotheses on how chiropractic treatments can help with disc herniation, most research studies show that chiropractic adjustments reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve by improving spine alignment. This, in turn, alleviates the disc’s chronic discomfort.
Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For Herniated Disc
#1 Improvement In Positioning & Posture Of Your Body
Numerous ailments, including migraine headaches, neck and back pain, as well as difficulty breathing and digesting food, can be brought on by a spinal column misalignment. Numerous variables, including genetics, weight increase, weight loss, injury and/or pregnancy may cause misalignment. The good news is that with a chiropractor’s assistance, all of these issues may be resolved. When someone visits a chiropractor for the first time, their spine is thoroughly examined and treatment is started quickly in order to improve the position of the spine and the posture of the body.
#2 Decreased Swelling
Chiropractic treatment is frequently associated with treating spine and joint pain. But some readers might be surprised to learn that chiropractic therapy also significantly reduces inflammation.
Although you might think of inflammation as only affecting the skin, it can affect any part of the body, including the spinal column.
When your spine is out of alignment, the joints may become inflamed and cause a lot of discomfort. This discomfort as well as swelling can be decreased thanks to chiropractic care.
#3 Greater Volume Of Breathing
The fact that chiropractic therapy for disc herniation can also help with breathing is a surprise benefit of the treatment.
Dealing with a spinal column misalignment may have an impact on your ability to breathe since it compresses your ribcage and makes breathing more difficult. By aligning the spine, you can take bigger, better breaths!
#4 Muscle Contractions & Discomfort Get Reduced
When a disc herniates (or bursts open), pressure is placed on the nearby nerves, which can result in pain, muscular spasms, numbness or even shooting pain down the leg.
Chiropractic therapy can assist in repairing the ruptured disc, whereas most therapies can only temporarily lessen the ache. Correct alignment can, as we’ve already discussed, relieve pain by reducing pressure on the nerves. Additionally, it can aid in the burst disc’s recovery.
Summary:
If you experience any issues related to disc herniation, improving spinal alignment can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. The benefits of chiropractic care can last a lifetime, making it a great decision.
There are several ways to manage herniated discs, but chiropractic therapy is one of the best ways to speed up the disc’s recovery and lessen pain.
Therefore, don’t put off seeing a chiropractor, especially if you suspect you may have a herniated disc. The sooner you start receiving chiropractic care, the quicker you’ll recover.
Contact New Tampa Chiropractic & Injury Center to set up a time for us to take care of your herniated disc pain. Call 813-994-6111 to make an appointment.