What Herniated Disc Treatments Can a Chiropractor Offer?

According to Spine Universe, chiropractic care is a non-surgical option for herniated disc treatment. This makes choosing a chiropractor to address problems with a herniated disc a viable option if you want to avoid undergoing any surgical procedures.

Definition of a herniated disc

According to the Mayo Clinic, a herniated disc occurs when the softer inner portion of the disc's nucleus pushes through a crack in the outer annulus. Symptoms may occur if this rupture compresses a nerve. Because this spine-related problem can be quite painful, as well as cause various levels of numbness or weakness, many sufferers choose a chiropractor to address their symptoms. Sometimes a herniated disc is also called a ruptured disc or a slipped disc.

Herniated disc treatment offered by a chiropractor

After the chiropractor completes a thorough examination of the spine, which may include an X-ray or MRI, and confirms the diagnosis of a herniated disc, a treatment plan is developed and discussed with the patient. Since chiropractors use spinal manipulation to help heal the body, various types of chiropractic techniques are used to address the unique issues of each person's herniated disc.

Flexion-distraction technique

This chiropractic method is one that requires a patient to lie down on a special table used to stretch out the back and spinal column. Once the patient is in the proper position, the chiropractor uses a specific type of hand technique to address the problem area. The overall goal is to stimulate the disc while the spine is in a stretched-out position since this allows the disc to be moved back into its correct place. This technique often reduces the pain because it helps move the disc away from the nerves.

Pelvic blocking techniques

This particular technique requires a patient to lie down on a chiropractic table and then have cushioned wedges placed underneath the pelvic area. Using these wedges helps change the patient's posture to relieve any pressure currently placed on the discs in the spine. The overall goal is to stretch out the lower pelvic area, which, in turn, helps relieve any spinal pressure.

Manipulation under anesthesia

When a patient is experiencing a lot of pain due to a herniated disc, this procedure can be used so the patient does not experience discomfort while undergoing treatment. This option generally takes somewhere between 15 minutes and one hour to perform and often requires herniated disc treatment for multiple days in a row. There are different types of anesthesia that may be used, which is dependent on the patient's overall level of pain. For example, the chiropractor might choose a local anesthetic, mild sedation or even general anesthesia.

Find out if a chiropractic treatment plan is right for you

If you or a loved one is in need of herniated disc treatment and want a non-surgical option to help relieve the pain and suffering, today is the day to take action. Make an appointment for an evaluation and consultation to see if one of these chiropractic techniques can help relieve the painful symptoms with a personalized treatment plan.

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