Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc

Do you experience sharp or burning pain that shoots into your arms or legs when you cough or sneeze? Maybe you struggle to hold or lift objects due to muscle numbness or weakness? If so, you may have a slipped or herniated disc. This common condition often occurs in the lower back, but it can also occur in your neck. For some people, a disc prolapse can be a painful and even debilitating condition. Symptoms usually resolve after a few weeks or so. But if the discomfort persists, maybe it's time you consider chiropractic care.

What Happens During Your Initial Visit

A qualified chiropractor can ease your herniated disc pain and other symptoms. During your first appointment, they will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also administer orthopedic and neurological tests to look for several things. These include whether your reflexes are intact or not and if there's any sign of muscle wasting. Your chiropractor will check if there's any loss of muscle strength or sensation along certain nerve pathways.

They will also examine your posture. A radiologic or magnetic resonance imaging test may be recommended to aid with the diagnosis. This way, they can have precise detail of your bones and soft tissues. Your chiropractor will also evaluate your entire spine. Even if you're only complaining about chronic lower back pain, they will take a look at your neck. What happens in just a single area of your spine can impact other parts of your spine or body. From the data collected, your chiropractor will determine whether or not you have a herniated disc.

How Chiropractors Treat Herniated Disc Pain

Chiropractic medicine views the human body as a roadmap made of a complex network of nerve pathways that lead to and from the spinal cord. It considers your spine as the neurological superhighway that transmits all the sensory, motor, and autonomic functions to and from your brain.

When one or more vertebrae are out of place, your chiropractor will focus on treating the partial dislocation or subluxation. This can be achieved by using different methods, including:

Spinal Manipulation. Your chiropractor will use their hands to align your spine using passive movements to your joints and surrounding soft tissues. It involves a quick thrust maneuver intended to take the pressure off your herniated discs.

Pelvic Blocking Technique. Your chiropractor will place cushioned wedges under each side of your pelvis. It helps them draw your herniated disc away from the nerve it's pressing on. The method aims to treat pain in your hips and lower back and other tensions throughout your body.

Flexion Distraction Technique. Your chiropractor will use a specially designed table to decompress your spine. This is possible by applying a gentle stretch or traction to your lower back. The method aims to reduce pressure on your spinal nerves and increase motion within your spinal joints and discs.

Chiropractic practitioners emphasize the importance of having perfectly aligned spinal bones. This way, you can enjoy proper nerve function, which is crucial for optimal health throughout your body.

Are you looking for a safe, drug-free way to treat your herniated disc? At Whiplash Pain Center, we can help ease your pain and improve your quality of life. Call our office today in Summerville, Charleston at (843) 636-7246, or North Charleston, South Carolina at (843) 972-7246, to schedule your consultation.