Definition of a “herniated disc”
According to Mayo Clinic a herniated Disc is when the inner nucleus, which is the softest part of the disc, pushes through the crack in an outer annulus. A ruptured nerve can lead to symptoms. The spine-related problem can be very painful and cause numbness or weakness. Many sufferers seek out a chiropractor to help them. Sometimes, a herniated disc is also known as a ruptured disc or slip disc.
What is a “Slipped disc”? Is it the exact same thing as a Herniated Disc?
There is an intervertebral Disc between each vertebrae with the exception that of the first two vertebrae in the neck (the atlas, C1) and the axis, (C2). Discs can be used as shock absorbers or shock distributors and also provide flexibility.
Imagine that you can jump up or down. What would you do with the pile of bony vertebrae, which makes up the spine? Now move your back to the side. You will see the discs intervertebrale. Without these discs your spine would be dysfunctional.
Although intervertebral Discs don’t actually “slip”, it is common to use the term “slipped” to refer to bulging, ruptured, and herniated discs. Herniated discs will be the correct term throughout this article.
Your discs consist of the annulus fibrosus (the tough outer) and the nucleus mucosus (which is a soft, gelatinous centre). (See Figure 1, below.) If cracks appear in the outer layer, disc material can start to push out. A disc can become herniated from many different reasons.
Can a sneeze lead to a herniated disc in the disc?
Back pain is a common problem for many people.
Let’s say, for instance, you sneeze, and suddenly feel a sharp pain in one side of your back. The pain could then escalate to sciatica, or leg pain. A herniated disc may be underneath the pain. If so, the sneeze could have been what caused it to grow. It is possible to herniate intervertebral discs by sneezing (or coughing).
Chiropractic Care and Herniated Discs
A chiropractor is able to treat your back pain and other herniated-disc symptoms. Your medical history will be reviewed by your chiropractor at your first appointment. They will also conduct a physical exam and perform neurologic and orthopedic testing.
There are many things your chiropractor will be looking for. These are crucial questions your chiropractor can help you answer during an orthopedic exam or neurological exam.
Are your reflexes still functioning? The question is, are your nerves correctly sending messages? (The classic reflex test, where the doctor taps on your knee with small hammers and your leg kicks up, is called the reflex test.
Are there any signs of muscle wasting or loss of muscle strength?
Is there any loss in sensation along the route of a nerve?
A chiropractor will inspect your posture carefully and may order an X-Ray, MRI, or other diagnostic tools if necessary.
Chiropractors assess the entire spine. Even if you are only experiencing lower back pain, your chiropractor can examine your neck as well. The chiropractor wants to examine how healthy your spine is overall. Also, remember that what happens in one section of your spine may have an adverse effect on the functioning of other parts.
The information you provide will allow your chiropractor to determine whether or not you have an intervertebral spinal injury. The type and severity of your disc injury will affect the treatments that your chiropractor recommends to you.
Some patients aren’t suitable for all types of chiropractic treatment. Cauda Equina Syndrome is an example of a condition in which your bladder or bowel control is affected by an intervertebral injury. You will need to seek immediate medical attention if this happens.
A chiropractor will also refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if you feel you are experiencing a loss of strength, sensation, or any other neurological symptoms.
But most intervertebral spinal disc injuries are caused due to a herniated or bulging disc. Your chiropractor can help you find the best treatment option for your symptoms.
Your chiropractor can develop a treatment program to treat herniated discs. This could include spinal manipulation, also known as adjustments, and other chiropractic techniques that will help relieve your symptoms. This treatment plan will vary depending on the individual, but may include manual therapy and therapeutic exercise.
What you include in your treatment plan is specific to your pain, activity level, overall health, as well as what your chiropractor believes is best. Ask questions about any treatment option. You should be clear about the procedure and how it can relieve your pain. Chiropractice is safe for most patients.
Chiropractic Misconceptions
It is common to believe that chiropractors use forceful adjustments to “pop the disc back in place”. The gas released from a joint under pressure causes the “pop”. It is similar in sound to opening a can of soda.
Another misconception is the belief that chiropractic care can only be done with a few simple treatments. Instead, as stated above, chiropractors treat herniated spines using gentle low force techniques.
How can a Chiropractor help with a herniated disc
When the disc cushioning the vertebrae is infected, herniated discs can occur. This type of degenerative disc disease causes pain by putting pressure on nearby nerves. Non-invasive techniques can be used to treat the symptoms. Chiropractic care may be an option. Here are the ways that a chiropractor can help relieve pain from herniated discs.
Assess your overall health
First, your chiropractor will evaluate the extent of your herniated spine’s damage. Your chiropractor will evaluate your overall health, not just the areas that are hurting. Additionally, they will review your medical history as well as perform a physical exam. They may order diagnostic testing if necessary.
During your initial consultation they will also evaluate you with a particular focus on the following criteria.
- If your reflexes seem normal
- If you are experiencing muscle loss, or reduced muscle strength
- Feeling numb or without sensation?
Based on their findings, they might refer you to an expert in spine care. More aggressive treatments are required if you experience loss of sensation, muscle strength, or reflexes.
They will also examine you to determine if chiropractic care is right for you. Certain patients may not be able to receive chiropractic adjustments.
- Spinal Cancer
- Advanced osteoporosis
- An upper neck bone abnormality
- High risk for stroke
Perform Chiropractic Techniques
Once you have been assessed by your chiropractor, your treatment plan will be developed. This program is customized to your situation and needs.
Here are some techniques that chiropractors use when treating patients with herniated spines.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
This spinal adjustment helps to decrease the pressure on your discs. The chiropractor uses a specially designed table to ease the process of stretching your spine. Your chiropractor will gently push the affected area using a pumping rhythm. It is pain-free and gentle. This makes it an excellent option for patients suffering from severe pain. It can help relieve your symptoms by moving the affected nerve away from the herniated disc.
Treatments to Block Pelvic Floors
This technique makes use of cushioned wedges specially made for chiropractic use. These wedges will be placed under your pelvis by your chiropractor during the procedure. They will then naturally pull out the herniated nerve from the affected disc.
Other than herniated discs being treated, pelvic blocking may also be used to treat other conditions like headaches and other pains.
Recommendations on Additional Treatment Options
Your chiropractor may suggest adding other techniques to enhance the efficacy of your treatment plan. There are a few options your chiropractor might recommend, depending upon your condition.
- 3D active traction
- Laser therapy
- Massage therapy
- Ultrasound-guided injections
These conservative treatments can be used to treat your herniated disc and reduce your symptoms.
Manipulation while under anesthesia
This can be done if a patient is experiencing severe pain due to a herniated spine. This treatment usually takes around 15 minutes to one hour. Sometimes, it is necessary to treat multiple herniated discs over several days. There are many different types of anesthesia. It all depends on the patient’s pain levels. The chiropractor might decide to use mild sedation or general anesthesia.
In Conclusion
Your chiropractor will help you develop a treatment program for your herniated spine. If your symptoms persist, your chiropractor can recommend and manage your condition with a pain management expert and/or a spinal surgeon.