Herniated discs are a common problem that can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. If you’re dealing with a herniated disc, you may be wondering what you can do to fix it. The good news is that there are several effective treatments available for herniated discs, including physiotherapy and chiropractic care. In this blog post, we’ll share insights from both a physiotherapist and chiropractor on how they approach treating herniated discs.
Understanding Herniated Discs
Before diving into the treatment options, it’s important to understand what causes herniated discs. A herniated disc occurs when the cushion-like material between the vertebrae in your spine ruptures or slips out of place. This can result in pressure on nearby nerves or spinal cord, leading to pain, weakness or numbness.
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing a herniated disc including age, obesity, poor posture or repetitive strain injuries.
Treating Herniated Discs with Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an effective non-surgical approach to treating herniated discs. A physiotherapist will assess your condition and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Common techniques involve exercises aimed at reducing pressure on the affected disc through specific movements and postural changes.
Another effective treatment approach involves manual techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue treatment to reduce muscle tension around the affected area.
Treating Herniated Discs with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors also offer non-surgical treatments for herniated discs using spinal manipulation techniques aimed at restoring proper alignment of vertebrae in your spine.
Chiropractors use hands-on adjustments to carefully manipulate the spine and relieve nerve pressure. They also use other techniques like traction or decompression treatment to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle modifications
In addition to physiotherapy or chiropractic care, lifestyle modifications can help speed up the healing process and prevent further damage. Maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that put strain on your back can go a long way in reducing your risk of developing herniated discs.
When Surgery is Necessary
While most cases of herniated discs can be treated without surgery, there are some cases where surgery may be necessary. These include situations where the herniated disc is causing severe pain, loss of bladder control or muscle weakness.
If your healthcare provider recommends surgery for your herniated disc, it’s important to fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision.
Herniated discs can cause significant pain and discomfort but there are several non-surgical treatment options available including physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Both approaches offer safe and effective ways to reduce pressure on affected nerves or spinal cord through manual treatments, exercise programs or spinal manipulation techniques. Additionally, maintaining good posture and healthy habits can help prevent future disc problems from occurring. If you’re dealing with a herniated disc, make sure to discuss all your treatment options with a qualified healthcare professional who can help you develop an individualized plan for recovery.
