Unlocking Relief: Chiropractic Approaches to Herniated Disc Treatment

At some point in our lives, we will all experience back or neck pain. However, herniated discs are a whole different ball game and require professional care. Herniated disc treatment from a chiropractor are noninvasive, safe, and effective. Take a closer look at the various methods chiropractors may employ.

Understanding herniated discs

A spinal disc is a jelly-like material known as a nucleus encased in an elastic shell called an annulus that sits between each vertebra or bone of the spine. When the nucleus is pushed outside of its place, it becomes herniated, causing extreme pain and discomfort. While a herniated disc, or slipped or ruptured disc, can occur anywhere along the spine, it is most commonly discovered in the lower back.

If the herniation is mild, it will likely heal with rest and stretching exercises, but others will need to seek herniated disc treatments from a chiropractor. This is especially the case if the patient is in extreme pain, has trouble walking or twisting, or feels numbness and tingling in their back, neck, or limbs.

Noninvasive herniated disc treatments

Flexion-distraction technique

This herniated disc treatment involves the patient lying down on a decompression table. The chiropractor uses this table to gently stretch the patient's back muscles and spinal column. This motion helps to relax the spine and alleviate pressure on the discs, nerves, and joints, which may also have been affected by the herniation. The main aim of this treatment is to allow the nucleus to move back into its proper place while the pressure is alleviated. The chiropractor will then provide practical methods to prevent the issue from reoccurring.

Pelvic blocking techniques

Though similar to the flexion-distraction technique, pelvic blocking techniques are slightly different. It involves the patient lying face down on a table, where the chiropractor will place two firm objects, likely wedges, underneath the pelvic area. These wedges aim to change the patient's posture to relieve the pressure on the herniated disc. During this herniated disc treatment, the chiropractor may find it beneficial to employ soft mobilization techniques to help the process.

Soft tissue mobilization

If the patient is in such severe pain that they cannot move or twist, the chiropractor may employ anesthesia before performing soft tissue mobilization. This herniated disc treatment can be independent or in combination with other treatment techniques. Soft tissue mobilization involves the patient lying on a table, so the chiropractor may apply manual pressure with their hands to manipulate the spine and muscles, relieving pressure on the discs, joints, and nerves. Some patients see relief in one appointment, while others may need a few sessions to complete stretching exercises at home, depending on the severity and location of the herniated disc.

Find relief today

Herniated discs will have you looking for relief in any way you can get it. Instead of taking more pain pills or blindly performing stretches and potentially worsening the condition, unlock relief by contacting our Indianapolis office for an appointment. We will perform an evaluation to help determine the most effective herniated disc treatment for your condition. We can also provide instructions to prevent recurrence.

Request an appointment here: https://www.woodsindychiro.com or call Woods Chiropractic PC at (317) 257-3919 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

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