Chiropractic orthopedic care is a non-invasive and natural form of healthcare. Chiropractic orthopedists focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing neuromuscular disorders, particularly those related to the spine. All disc injuries are not the same, they can be protruded, herniated, or extruded with other specifics as well. Herniated, and protruding discs are a common condition the most common condition seen in the low back actually. The soft gelatinous, inner material of a spinal disc begins to make its way out through a series of tears in the surrounding annular fibers (the rings of disc that contain the gelatinous center) and creates a bulge that can contact surrounding nervous tissue that will send pain into the lower extremities or legs. It is possible to have a disc injury that doesn’t create lower leg pain and this occurs when the first two-thirds of the annulus have torn and the first fiber of the outer third begins to tear. This will create excruciating lower back pain close to midline. this happens because the inner two-thirds of the annulus are not innervated and therefore do not cause pain, however the outer third is richly innervated and tearing of any of the outer third layers will cause severe pain. Other disc tears can occur in the outer third of the annulus as well without inner tearing and are considered circumferential tears. These are tears to the “glue” that holds all the different fibers together. Our chiropractic orthopedist in Fredericksburg discusses the benefits of chiropractic care in treating a herniated disc.
Fortunately, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for individuals with herniated discs. Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care for people with herniated discs:
7 Benefits of Treating a Herniated Disc with Chiropractic Orthopedics
Diagnosis: This is the first and most important step to getting the care you need. Your chiropractic orthopedist will take a detailed history and perform a detailed orthopedic exam to rule in or out the condition of disc injury. With proper diagnosis the treatment can be more specifically applied to your condition and ensure that proper healing occurs. Your chiropractic orthopedist may used imaging that is necessary for diagnosis like x-ray to exclude any conditions that may mimic a disc lesion, as well as MRI to rule in or out disc lesion and also their mimickers.
Pain relief: Chiropractic orthopedics can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with a herniated disc. Chiropractic orthopedics use a variety of techniques and modalities, such as interferential therapy which is done to cause endorphin and enkephalin release which are your body’s own painkillers and aids in pain reduction. Spinal manipulation may also be performed if your chiropractic orthopedist deems appropriate. Manipulation may be avoided if leg symptoms are severe and extend below the knee. Some benefits to manipulation are mobilization of the joints in the area and also helps alleviate any vascular stagnation in the area caused by inflammatory cells. Vascular stagnation increases the compromise of compressible tissues like the nerves that are already working with reduced space from the protruding disc and possible bony spur formation. This is why your chiropractic orthopedist may perform x-rays in order to evaluate the other complicating factors of the condition, like bone spur formation. X-rays do not show disc protrusions and can only show disc degeneration and spur formation called spondylosis. If disc protrusion or extrusion are suspected your chiropractic orthopedist may refer you for MRI if necessary, MRI is the gold standard for evaluating this tissue type.
Proper education of the condition: Herniated discs can cause severe pain and disability. Your chiropractic orthopedist is a specialist in these conditions and are well equipped to educate you on what type of things to avoid as well as add to your daily routine in order to ensure proper care and healing. There are many things that need to be avoided when dealing with disc lesions and consulting a specialist like your chiropractic orthopedist should be your first step.
Non-invasive: Surgery can involve long recovery periods and a significant risk of complications. Chiropractic orthopedic care, while also may have a lengthy recovery period due to severity of your condition and complicating factors, is non-invasive and has a low risk of side effects. This makes it a great option for people who want to avoid surgery or who may not be candidates for surgery.
Natural approach: Chiropractic orthopedic care is a natural approach to healthcare that doesn’t rely on drugs or surgery. Most all disc lesions can heal on their own without severe complications or disability. This however does not mean that you should leave it untreated. Part of the treatment program of your chiropractic orthopedist is to educate you on the condition to keep it on the way to healing without regression, as well as recognize when the problem requires additional attention. Make sure that you take all advice from your chiropractic orthopedist seriously to keep yourself from continued injury.
Addresses the root cause: Chiropractic care doesn’t only focus on relieving symptoms but also addresses the underlying cause of the problem. Chiropractic orthopedics can help prevent future re-occurrences through treatment and education. Chiropractic orthopedists are able to diagnose the problem and decide whether chiropractic spinal manipulation is the correct treatment. Your chiropractic orthopedist has many different approaches to treatment than spinal manipulation which may be inappropriate at a particular stage of your healing process.
Customized treatment: Chiropractic orthopedists take an individualized approach to treatment, taking into account each patient’s unique needs, symptoms, and medical history. This allows them to tailor treatment plans to each person’s specific condition, ensuring the most effective and efficient treatment possible. They can offer many different treatment options and don’t only rely on spinal manipulation. There are many different treatments out there for disc lesions including surgery, and epidural, however some of these may not be necessary. Some treatments may cause more disability later on like epidural. Which can mask the pain and create a pain free daily living that, once it wears off can become a worse condition. Pain is our body’s way of saying slow down injury is occurring and if we remove this from our body, correct diagnosis of the condition as well as preventing further or worsening injury is foregone. Make sure you speak to a specialist like your chiropractic orthopedist to see if these treatment options are right for your condition.
Consider a Chiropractic Orthopedist in Fredericksburg
Herniated discs can be a painful and debilitating condition. However, chiropractic orthopedics can help alleviate symptoms, improve mobility and function, and promote overall health and well-being. If you’re suffering from a herniated disc, consider seeking treatment from a chiropractic orthopedic specialist.
If you are suffering from an herniated disc, call our Fredericksburg team at Stine Chiropractic Clinic to schedule an appointment.
