Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment option for disorders of the nervous system and/or musculoskeletal system.
There may be too much stress on the disc and back due to poor posture or from being overweight. In fact, back pain or herniated disc can be caused by a combination of factors or a physical injury. There are many reasons someone could have back pain, from sleeping in the wrong position to an accident, disc herniations, or simply living with poor posture.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation and exercise rehabilitation can help fix problems of back pain and herniated disc without any complicated surgery. Goals of care are to alleviate pain, increase function, and decrease peripheralization related to disc herniation. The chiropractor even has treatments that are alternatives to back surgery as well. Chiropractic visits help to relieve pain. Here are four reasons why visiting a chiropractor is worth it for back pain and herniated disc.
- Diagnostic process
At your initial appointment, your chiropractor will go through your medical history, do a physical examination, and perform orthopaedic and neurological tests. The chiropractor will examine muscle strength, reflexes and loss of sensation.
After reviewing this information, your chiropractor can determine if you have an intervertebral disc injury. The type of disc injury you have will determine what treatments your chiropractor will use to address your symptoms.
The chiropractor will also carefully look at your posture, and suggest an X-ray or MRI, if necessary, to help with the diagnostic process.
- Spine evaluation
A chiropractor in silver spring wants to see how well your spine is functioning overall because what happens in one area of your spine can influence other parts of your spine and/or body.
For extreme loss of strength, sensation, reflexes, and other unusual neurological findings, a chiropractor will refer you to a spine surgeon.
- Manual manipulation and mobilization
Manual manipulation refers to a high-velocity, short lever arm thrust that is applied to abnormal vertebra with the goal of improving functionality, reducing nerve irritability and restoring range of motion in the back. It is also commonly known as chiropractic adjustment. Many studies have concluded that manual therapies commonly used by chiropractors for herniated disc and back pain are generally effective for the treatment.
Chiropractic mobilization refers to low-velocity manipulation, movement and stretching of the muscles and joints, with the goal of increasing the range of motion within those areas.
- Chiropractic techniques for herniated discs
Your discs are made up of the annulus fibrosus (the tough outer layer) and the nucleus pulposus (which contains a soft, gelatin-like center). When cracks occur in the outer layer of the disc, the material inside of the disc can begin to push out.
- Flexion-distraction technique involves the use of a specialized table that gently “distracts” or stretches the spine. This allows the chiropractor to isolate the affected area while slightly flexing the spine using a pumping rhythm. Usually, there is no pain associated with the treatment. This technique can help move the disc away from the nerve. With flexion-distraction, you generally need a series of treatments. Gradually, specific exercises and nutritional recommendations are incorporated into your treatment plan. Your chiropractor in MD will keep you under observation throughout the treatment plan.
- Manipulation under anesthesia or MUA is appropriate chiropractic treatment for some spinal conditions. MUA is performed at an ambulatory care center or hospital. The duration of sleep and sedation is short, about 6 minutes.
- Chiropractors also use pelvic blocking techniques to treat herniated disc symptoms. Pelvic blocking treatments include using cushioned wedges, which are placed under each side of the pelvis. Gentle exercises may also be used. These will allow changes in mechanics to draw your disc away from the nerve it may be pressing on.
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