Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Slipped discs, or more specifically disc herniations, affect many individuals and can cause significant discomfort. At our Edmonton-based practice, we believe in a holistic approach to healthcare, and chiropractic care plays a pivotal role in addressing disc-related issues. Let’s explore how chiropractic can offer relief for disc herniations and contribute to your overall well-being.
Understanding disc herniation and slipped discs
The discs in your spine are the cushions between each of your spinal bones (vertebrae) that help absorb shock. They are made of gel-like material surrounded by a firm and thick outer layer. Due to aging, accumulative stress, and spinal misalignments, the outer layer of your discs can tear causing the gel-like material to bulge outward. This disc bulging can worsen such that the gel-like material bursts through the outer layer. This is known as a slipped disc or a disc herniation. If your disc bulges or herniates it can press up on your spinal cord or nerves causing symptoms like sharp, electric shock-like pains, numbness and tingling, or muscle weakness. If you develop bowel or bladder problems with this condition, your situation becomes an emergency and surgery may be necessary.
Disc herniations most commonly occur in the lower back region and often cause sciatica. However, herniations can also occur on the neck. In this latter case, neck pain associated with numbness and tingling down the arms would be a common complaint.
I want to emphasize, that a disc herniation is a process the disc goes through over time and is not usually due to one event.
Chiropractic evaluation and diagnosis
Our approach to slipped discs and disc herniations begins with a comprehensive consultation. In other words, a deep look into your health history and presenting symptoms provides important clues to determine if your problem is related to a disc herniation. Furthermore, a thorough examination provides more clues to determine if your problem is a disc herniation or not. Chiropractors employ a variety of tests to diagnose disc herniations:
- Orthopedic tests
- Neurological tests (eg. muscle testing, reflexes)
- Assessing spinal misalignments that may be contributing to disc issues
- Posture exams
- Balance tests
- Range of motion
This active approach allows us to develop a precise diagnoses, guiding us toward effective chiropractic interventions.
Chiropractic techniques for disc herniations and slipped discs
Chiropractic care offers non-invasive and drug-free solutions for slipped and herniated discs. Through targeted spinal adjustments, we alleviate pressure on your affected discs and pinched nerves, promoting natural healing. (1) Our tailored exercises and stretches aim to strengthen your supporting muscles, providing stability to your spine. This proactive approach empowers you to actively participate in your recovery, fostering long-term relief.
As well, chiropractors have extensive knowledge on nutritional supplementation to help with your healing and to help decrease your pain naturally.
Success Stories: chiropractic for disc herniation and slipped disc
At Collins Chiropractic we take pride in witnessing the transformative impact of chiropractic care on our patients. Real-life success stories highlight the effectiveness of our approach. Patients share how chiropractic interventions have significantly improved their quality of life, reinforcing the potential benefits of choosing chiropractic care for slipped and disc herniation.
“I came to see Dean because he is my go to guy for my sciatica. His expertise is really appreciated and I will come back again.”
Ed W.
“The numbness and tingling is completely gone! My lower back pain is almost completely gone – I can lie down and fall asleep now! I feel my upperback is much stronger and no longer uncomfortable. Overall I feel much more comfortable in all activities. I’m sleeping better and feel more awake. I’m also more conscious of my back as I feel I’m learning more about my body.”
Katie
Collaborative approach: chiropractic and multidisciplinary care
Sometimes patients with disc herniations need more than chiropractic care. In these cases, we emphasize teamwork, working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach. Combined therapies enhance recovery outcomes, addressing not just symptoms but the underlying causes of slipped and herniated discs. If patients do not respond to conservative care or their symptoms worsen, a referral to a specialist for surgery may be necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re grappling with the challenges of slipped or herniated discs, chiropractic care offers a holistic and active approach to healing. Our personalized evaluations, targeted techniques, and collaborative approach set the foundation for your journey to recovery. Don’t let disc-related issues control your life – explore the benefits of chiropractic for slipped and disc herniation. Contact us today. Your path to a pain-free, active lifestyle begins here!
For a healthy spine and nervous system, contact Edmonton chiropractor Dr. Dean Collins. Or book a consult and exam with him today.
To learn more about how chiropractor care can help you and your family, read Dr. Collins’ comprehensive guide to chiropractic care: Chiropractic Care for Everyone.
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