Herniated Discs and Chiropractic Massage: A Comprehensive Guide

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a painful condition that has a detrimental effect on the spine. According to Cleveland Clinic, across the globe, about 2% of people develop it; with a vast majority of them in the 30 to 50 year-old range. The said ailment, if left unaddressed, can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, nerve damage, and permanent disability, among others.

The good news is that with medical intervention that is complemented by chiropractic massage and other forms of holistic remedies, affected individuals can alleviate pain, improve function, and achieve healing.

This article delves into the complications of herniated discs and explores the potential benefits of chiropractic treatment in helping patients manage them. Read on.

Understanding Herniated Discs

The spine is made up of a series of vertebrae that are stacked and are cushioned by intervertebral discs. They play a significant role in daily living since they act as some sort of shock absorbers, which enables flexibility and freedom of movement.

However, because of risk factors that include aging, repetitive stress, injury, etc., the outer part of a disc can become weakened or torn, leading to herniation of its inner components. This can lead to pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and the like. According to Harvard Health, in most severe cases, the said condition may compress nerves that manage bladder and bowel activities, paving the way to urinary incontinence and irregular bowel control.

It should be noted that scientists as well as doctors do not fully understand and cannot completely determine the reasons why discs herniate. But most theories attribute the said development to the following:

• Disc aging

Due to aging, the disc’s outer shell seems to degenerate, possibly because of so many years of being in an upright posture that is complemented by back flexion.

• Genetics

If herniated discs run in the family, chances are, they may be an onset of the said condition, even at a relatively young age. In line with this, recent studies are starting to identify particular genes that are specifically linked to inherent forms of disc ailments.

• Individual Risk Factors

Individuals who work at a job or engage in a sport that includes heavy lifting or inappropriately excessive twisting or bending may have a heightened risk of a herniated disc.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help Address Herniated Disc?

Chiropractic care that includes chiropractic massage and other forms of treatment, is a non-surgical as well as holistic approach that is beneficial for herniated discs. It works by tapping the human body’s natural capacity to heal itself. But what does a chiropractor do to treat herniated discs? Read on for details.

• Evaluation

A chiropractor is going to extensively evaluate the whole spine. For instance, even if a patient only has lower back pain, he or she is going to examine the neck too. The said practitioner is going to see how well it is functioning as a whole. This is essential because the spine can influence how other parts of the body function. In line with this, it should be noted that this part determines if a particular patient is an ideal candidate for chiro care or otherwise.

• Flexion-distraction

Flexion-distraction is some sort of a specialized massage that stretches or “distracts” the spine in a gentle manner. This approach allows a chiro practitioner to isolate a particular area while slightly flexing it with the use of a pumping rhythm.

In general, this form of treatment does not include any form of discomfort. To add, if properly executed, it can reduce inflammation of the nerve root and, eventually, pain that is associated with the said condition.

• Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)

Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a chiropractic treatment that is performed to treat several spinal ailments. The type of anesthesia that is used in the process is called twilight sleep, which means that the duration of sleep is short and usually lasts around six minutes.

While a patient is sedated and in a relaxed state, a chiropractor is going to stretch and manipulate the area that requires treatment. In general, MUA sessions are accomplished about two to four weeks apart.

• Pelvic Blocking Techniques

A chiropractor may also use pelvic blocking techniques to treat symptoms that are associated with herniated discs. They include the use of cushioned wedges, which are strategically placed under the sides of the pelvis. Gentle exercises may be performed along the way in an effort to allow positive changes in the pelvic, which in turn, can lead to improvements in body mechanics. If properly executed, they may draw the disc away from the nerve it may be inappropriately pressing on.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe for Herniated Discs?

In general, chiropractic care that includes chiropractic massage is safe for patients who have herniated discs, given that they are performed by a qualified, licensed, and experienced practitioner. But like other types of healthcare intervention, it comes with potential risks as well as contraindications.

However, patients would be happy to know that according to PubMed, spinal manipulation is reported to be safe with very low risk of adverse events. Nonetheless, it is essential to consult with a chiropractor as well as a primary care physician to find out if the said holistic approach is appropriate for one’s condition or otherwise.

Summing up

In the end, the impact of herniated discs on daily living is profound. If left uncontrolled, they can lead to mobility issues as well as chronic pain that can pave the way to mood changes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and so forth. The good news is that chiropractic treatment that involves chiropractic massage is beneficial in so many ways.

However, you should always seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional so as to ensure that your program is extensively tailored for your specific needs. Furthermore, pursuing timely diagnosis as well as medical and holistic intervention is crucial since by addressing the said conditions at an early stage, you can eventually regain control of your well-being sooner.

So, if you are looking for a chiropractic clinic that is made up of highly experienced holistic professionals, Posture Perfect is a worthwhile choice. Our doctors can provide effective, efficient, and safe treatment for your herniated disc. They can help you overcome the challenges that the said ailment brings and allow you to live a fulfilling life.

Book an appointment and jump-start your healing journey.