A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of back pain. It significantly affects the human body, causing unpleasant pain. If you suffer from this pain, the quality of life you live can be significantly affected. Nevertheless, you can get relief through chiropractic treatment and some helpful tips discussed in this article.
What Is A Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc ruptures. It causes the inner gel-like center to protrude through the outer fibrous wall. This is known as a disc protrusion. While this rupture can occur in any part of the spine, it is common in the lower back.
When a disc ruptures, the inner material may put pressure on nearby nerves and the result includes sensations of weakness, numbness and discomfort in the legs. The symptoms and severity of disc herniation vary depending on the location of the rupture.
For instance, if it happens in the lower back, it can compress the sciatic nerve. The symptoms when this happens can be severe and may include reduced sensation in the feet, muscle spasms and weakness and/or radiating pain.
Causes Of Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are a result of a degenerative process. This degeneration typically stems from injury, stress or a combination of both. As you age, natural wear and tear can lead to thinning and deterioration of your spinal discs. The constant pull of gravity on your spine can contribute to disc protrusion or rupture.
Also, factors like excess weight, poor posture and overexertion can promote this degeneration. Additionally, sudden and forceful impacts, such as those occurring in car accidents, can either cause a herniated disc or worsen an existing condition. In many cases, you may not pinpoint the exact moment of disc damage. For this reason, identifying the root cause can be challenging.
Treatment Of Herniated Discs And Chiropractic Tips
Chiropractic treatment for herniated discs involves a range of techniques, such as thermal stimulation, joint manipulation, mobility exercises, muscle strengthening and soft tissue therapy.
Generally, chiropractic adjustments, together with any of the aforementioned chiropractic techniques, alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve by aligning the spine correctly. This alignment correction effectively alleviates the persistent pain associated with herniated discs.
Here are some things to expect from chiropractic treatment for herniated discs…
1. Corrected Posture
One of the priorities of alleviating disc herniation through chiropractic care is to improve posture. A misalignment in the spinal column can give rise to various health issues, spanning from migraine headaches and neck or back pain to challenges in breathing and digestion.
Various factors, including pregnancy, injuries, weight fluctuations and genetics, can contribute to such misalignments. Fortunately, chiropractors can address these issues. Initial visits to a chiropractor involve a thorough spinal assessment followed by treatment. Improved posture and alignment typically leads to pain and tension relief.
2. Reduced Inflammation
Chiropractic care is often linked to the management of joint and spinal discomfort. Yet chiropractic therapy may also impact inflammation. While you might associate inflammation with conditions like swollen knees and skin rashes, it can manifest anywhere in the body, including the spinal column.
When the spine is misaligned, it can lead to joint inflammation, resulting in discomfort and pain. Correcting this misalignment can effectively reduce inflammation and help to promote your overall well-being.
3. Reduced Swelling
When your spine is misaligned, it can lead to swelling in the joints. Correcting this misalignment can help reduce swelling and make you feel much better overall. So, chiropractic care not only addresses pain but also helps reduce swelling.
4. Reduced Discomfort
When a disc bursts open or is herniated, it can press against nearby nerves. This pressure can cause muscle spasms, pain and sometimes numbness or shooting pain down the leg. Although various treatments can provide temporary relief from the discomfort, chiropractic care has the potential to address the ruptured disc itself.
Furthermore, proper alignment can reduce the pressure on these nerves to ease pain as a result. This is in addition to helping with the healing of the ruptured disc. By realigning the spine and reducing pressure on the injured area, chiropractic therapy helps in the recovery from a herniated disc.
5. Improved Flexibility
For many people, the pain caused by a herniated disc is a temporary issue. However, it can also become a long-lasting problem that persists for years. This condition can lead to significant muscle tension as your body tries to adjust to the misalignment. Chiropractic care can play a crucial role in reducing this tension and enhancing your flexibility.
With chiropractic treatment, everyday movements like stretching, twisting or bending can be more comfortable. It is essential to start chiropractic treatment for a herniated disc as early as possible. Early intervention can help minimize the extent of ongoing suffering, offering a better chance at long-term relief from this chronic ailment.
6. Patient Guidance And Education
Chiropractors often provide advice on making lifestyle improvements, such as suggesting exercises, offering nutritional guidance and explaining better ways to sit and move. These recommendations work alongside your treatment and help reduce the chances of future problems.
Chiropractors also take time to teach patients about their condition, the available treatments and how to prevent similar issues in the future. This education will allow you to take an active role in recovery from herniated discs.
Summary:
Improving the alignment of your spine can significantly impact your overall health. This is true if you are struggling with herniated discs or other related conditions. Chiropractic treatment is an excellent option for herniated discs and it offers many benefits.