You are not alone if you have ever experienced backache. Back pain is one of the most prominent health conditions in patients seen in healthcare. The majority of people have the symptoms of back pain at some point in time. This condition increases and remains for a prolonged period in people who have attained a certain age. If you’re dealing with a herniated disc and are looking for effective treatment options, consider visiting a reputable Naperville chiropractor.
As one age, their spine ages, along with other body parts. After one has attained a certain age, they are prone to disc degeneration. Disc generation, which includes herniated discs, can cause backaches in an aging person. In this article, you will read about Herniated discs and what a chiropractor can do for a herniated disc. So, keep reading to learn about herniated discs and chiropractors.
What Exactly Are Herniated Discs?
To understand herniated discs, you must understand the different parts of your spine. The spine comprises several bones, called vertebrae, stacked one on top of another. Soft and rubbery discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility. The outer layer of these discs is made of cartilage, and the insides of it are filled with a jelly-like substance called the nucleus.
These discs become weak over time as a person grows older. This can increase the risk of a herniated disc, causing the nucleus to leak into the spinal canal and pressure the nerves. This can cause back pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower limbs. But people of all age groups can suffer from a herniated disc. A disc can herniate due to improper heavy lifting of objects, being overweight, smoking, etc.
Herniated discs can be very painful, but they can be treated most of the time without surgery. They can be cured with simple methods such as anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers, heat or cold compress, back and abdominal strengthening exercises, and steroids to ease nerve irritation. But if the condition is severe, one must go for herniated disc treatment in Houston or visit a Chiropractor immediately.
Who Is A Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who is an expert in the neuromusculoskeletal system — the muscles, bones, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. A chiropractor is someone that helps to manage neck and back pain through the use of spinal adjustments to maintain good alignment. They examine a patient, looking at the position of spin and muscle reflexes. They also perform a few tests, take x-rays to diagnose the condition, suggest treatment plans, and monitor progress.
Chiropractor Houston doesn’t prescribe pain medication; instead, they rely on the body’s ability to heal itself. Their primary therapy is spinal manipulation, where they use their hands or medical instruments to apply force on the joint in the spine. This moves the joint in a specific direction for better alignment.
What Does A Chiropractor Do?
After the Chiropractor is done with a thorough test and examination of the spine, which may include MRI and x-rays, and confirms the diagnosis of a herniated disc. They develop a treatment plan that is developed and discussed with the patients. Since they use spinal manipulation to help the body heal, there are other techniques used to address each patient’s unique issues.
- Flexion-distraction: This technique requires the patient to lie on a special table, stretching out the back and spinal column. Once the patient is in a proper position, the chiropractor for herniated disc lower back uses a specific type of hand technique to address the issue. The main aim is to stimulate the disc while the spine is stretched. This technique usually reduces pain because it helps the disc move away from the nerves.
- Pelvic Blocking: This technique requires the patient to lie on a chiropractic table, and cushion wedges are placed underneath the pelvic area. These wedges help change the posture of patients to relieve pressure currently placed on discs in the spine. The goal is to stretch out the lower pelvic area, which relieves the pressure in the spinal area.
- Manipulation under anesthesia: This technique is used when a patient is experiencing a lot of pain because of a herniated disc. It helps to ease discomfort while undergoing treatment. This method takes 15 minutes to an hour to perform. Different types of anesthesia are used based on the patient’s pain level.
Conclusion
Herniated discs are painful but can be cured. Chiropractic care is a non-surgical option for this condition. If you or your loved one wants relief from pain and discomfort, you must make an appointment with herniated disc Houston for evaluation and consultation.
