Are you suffering from a herniated disc in your lower back? Are you wondering how a chiropractor can help to relieve your pain?
The lower back is a complex area that supports the spine and allows for flexibility and movement. It can stop you from being able to move around, sit, or even stand. When you suffer from a herniated disc, this can cause a lot of discomfort.
How exactly do chiropractors treat a lower back herniated disc? Is chiropractic the proper treatment for you? This is where a chiropractor can help.
Keep reading to find out answers to these questions and more.
What Is a ‘Slipped’ Disc?
A slipped disc can result in excruciatingly sharp, abrupt, and shooting pain. The discomfort may spread to the arms if it starts in the neck region. Sciatica’s primary cause is slipped discs in the lumbar (lower back) region. Pain from sciatica can travel down one leg and into the foot.
A slipped disc can cause pain in the low back in addition to the characteristic radiating discomfort. Rarely, in addition to the pain, the buttocks may also become numb or show signs of paralysis. These signals point to a more severe issue, such as nerve injury.
Assessing Lower Back Disc Issues
Chiropractors assess lower back disc issues by performing a physical examination. This includes observing posture and gait. They also consider any previous back problems or injuries.
Any medication or treatments the patient has tried for their lower back pain. Chiropractors may then use spinal manipulation and adjustments. This is to help reduce pressure or even realign the herniated discs. This is to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Sometimes, the chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes or physical therapy. It is to strengthen the core muscles of the back and reduce further injury.
Viable Treatment Options
It is a medical professional specializing in musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. By seeking treatment, patients can gain relief from various issues, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Tension headaches
- Sciatica
- Whiplash
Non-invasive treatments can decrease inflammation and improve mobility. This improves overall health in the long run. Chiropractors are well-versed in many viable treatment options and individualized plans.
Chiropractors use their skills and knowledge to provide natural, safe, and effective treatments. This is to help those dealing with chronic pain or other muscular.
Depending on the individual patient’s needs, chiropractic treatment can include the following:
Spinal and Joint Manipulation
Spinal manipulation consists of manual manipulation of the vertebrae and soft tissues of the spine. It is also known as adjustments and may involve gentle pressure or targeted thrusts.
Joint manipulation consists of applying a controlled force to a joint. Pressure is used to reduce restrictions and improve mobility. It is to increase the range of motion in that area.
When performed correctly, these treatments result in an:
- increased range of motion
- improved biomechanics
- reduced inflammation
- improved nerve conduction
Joint and spinal manipulation by a chiropractor can help to reduce pain. It also improves mobility and overall health.
Rehabilitative Exercises
These exercises are specific and tailored to the patient. This can help strengthen and stretch the back and neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is to reduce pain and improve function.
Rehabilitative exercises typically involve pushups, planks, and leg raises. It strengthens the core and increases flexibility, enabling the patient to move freely and with less pain.
Rehabilitative exercises also often involve a range of motion exercises. This helps the patient to restore a normal range of motion and flexibility throughout the affected area.
Stretches
This can typically include a variety of gentle movements designed to ease pain and tension. Stretching can help realign joints that have become misaligned or restricted due to injury or poor posture. The chiropractor can help patients better manage their condition by releasing tight muscles.
Stretches can help increase circulation. It allows the nutrients and healing factors to move within the body more efficiently. Stretching can provide relief and can help to decrease inflammation.
Allowing the areas of the body that are affected to heal more quickly. Depending on the patient, the chiropractor may suggest specific stretches at home to maximize their treatment.
Lifestyle Advice
Make dietary and exercise recommendations that can benefit the individual’s spine health. A chiropractor can use lifestyle advice to help treat an individual in different ways. They can evaluate an individual’s physical activity and diet.
This can include the balance of diet, exercise routine, and activity levels, which are critical for good spinal health. They can also encourage good posture and sleep hygiene habits.
Chiropractors can educate patients on the importance of relaxing and stretching. It can help reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, and reduce nerve irritation.
They may also provide massage therapy and other treatments. This reduces muscle tension, improves range of motion, decreases pain, and increases relaxation. These treatments and lifestyle advice are essential in helping individuals recover from spine-related issues.
Regaining Strength
Chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring alignment and stability to the spine and other joints. They will provide their patients with a personalized plan of muscle-strengthening exercises or stretches. This combination of treatments encourages the body to heal naturally.
Patients can overcome their physical debilities with regular chiropractic adjustments, stretches, and exercises. These exercises help to improve flexibility and reduce stress on the spine. They also build up the patient’s muscular strength.
Rejuvenating Through Alternative Care
They assess your spine and determine where your joints are misaligned and cause pain or discomfort. The chiropractor will then use specific techniques. This is to restore alignment and reduce pain.
These techniques are gentle and safe. Chiropractors may need to use more invasive procedures such as traction or mobilization.
Other treatments may also be used, such as therapeutic exercises. It is to increase joint mobility and improve muscle strength. This can help you feel more energized and refreshed.
They also help improve your well-being. With regular chiropractic care visits, people can experience increased overall health.
Understanding How to Treat Lower Back Herniated Disc
Chiropractic treatment can relieve many issues, from neck to lower back pain. The chiropractor will assess the person’s condition and create a personalized treatment plan to address the problem and reduce discomfort.
With regular visits, the chiropractor can help provide relief and prevent future issues. If you’re experiencing discomfort and a lower back herniated disc, contact a chiropractor for a consultation today!
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