Can a Chiropractor Help with a Herniated Disc?

There are a lot of speculations regarding chiropractic treatment in the case of herniated discs. A chiropractor in Mesa, AZ uses drug-free and non-surgical treatments for restoring one’s health. With the help of a chiropractor, you can avoid or even postpone surgery. But before discussing that, let’s get familiar with the term “herniated disc”.

What is a Herniated Disc?

When the exterior of the disc crack and the interior gel consistency material comes out, the disc becomes herniated. The ruptured disc may brush against vertebrae and spine causing pain. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness, sciatica, etc. It can be difficult sometimes to detect a herniated disc. Some people may even live with one for a long time without even knowing it. In some cases, the disc heals itself naturally. On the other hand, chiropractic care can be an effective method in dealing with emerging pain. But surgery might be the best step in case of severe cases. A herniated disc is also known as a bulging disc or a ruptured.

How Can a Chiropractor Help in Treating a Herniated Disc?

Day by day, more people are seeking chiropractic care as their first choice of treatment. A chiropractor will not only focus on the affected area, but he/she will also examine your whole body to determine the source of the pain. After the diagnosis, he/she may use a few techniques to treat the herniated disc. Some of the general methods adopted by chiropractors for the aid of herniated discs are:

1. Pelvic Blocking Technique

The pelvic blocking technique requires the patient to lie on the table with cushioned wedges under their pelvis. This is supposed to help alleviate some pressure on the discs and the spine, allowing the disc to move away from the nerve it might be pressing.

2. Flexion-Distraction Technique

One of the most common techniques used by chiropractors is flexion-distraction. This technique involves a specialized table that allows the spine to gently stretch out. In this way, the chiropractor can work on the problem area by slightly flexing the spine using a slow pump rhythm. The flexion-distraction technique is used to manipulate the disc back into its former position.

3. Manipulation Under Anesthesia

As this technique involves the use of anesthesia, the chiropractors refrain from applying this method generally. In this process, the patient stays asleep for a brief time under the effect of anesthesia. During the relaxed state of the body, the chiropractor stretches and manipulates the affected area.

In Conclusion, some people are hesitant about seeing a chiropractor. The thought of having your joints manipulated can be unnerving. Before you decide against it, you should know more about the practice in this article.

Thanks to LifeCare Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and herniated discs.