A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, can lead to severe discomfort, pain, and restricted movement. The condition occurs when the soft material inside a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing a range of symptoms. For individuals in Gresham, OR, dealing with a herniated disc, finding an effective treatment is essential for long-term pain relief.
Chiropractic care, in combination with spinal decompression therapy, has proven to be one of the most effective non-surgical options for treating a herniated disc. These treatments focus on healing the affected area and alleviating pain without the need for invasive surgery or medications.
In this blog, we’ll explore how chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy work together to treat herniated discs and why they offer a safer, effective alternative to traditional treatments.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc happens when the inner, gel-like core of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear or crack in the tougher outer layer. This displacement can put pressure on the spinal nerves, leading to a range of symptoms, including:
- Severe back or neck pain
- Radiating pain down the arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area
- Loss of mobility or difficulty moving freely
Herniated discs can be caused by aging, wear and tear, or trauma such as an injury or repetitive strain on the spine. While surgery is sometimes considered for severe cases, many people find relief through non-invasive treatments like spinal decompression therapy and chiropractic care.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Treat Herniated Discs
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to treating musculoskeletal conditions that focus on spinal health. For herniated discs, chiropractic treatments can be incredibly beneficial as they aim to relieve pain, restore spinal alignment, and support natural healing.
Realigning the Spine
A herniated disc is often accompanied by misalignments in the spine, also known as subluxations. These misalignments can put additional pressure on the affected disc and the surrounding nerves. Chiropractic adjustments aim to realign the spine, helping to reduce pressure on the discs and restore proper spinal function.
By using controlled, manual adjustments, a chiropractor can gently move the vertebrae back into place, allowing the spine to function more effectively and reduce nerve compression.
Reducing Inflammation
Chiropractic adjustments also help reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of pain and discomfort in individuals with herniated discs. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractic care can help promote better circulation and reduce the inflammation around the affected disc, allowing for faster healing and pain relief.
Improving Mobility and Flexibility
Spinal misalignments and nerve compression often limit mobility and cause stiffness in the back or neck. Chiropractic care works to restore flexibility by correcting the alignment of the spine and encouraging the natural movement of the body. Many individuals find that they can move more freely and without pain after chiropractic adjustments.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a motorized table to gently stretch the spine. The goal of spinal decompression is to create negative pressure within the spinal discs, helping to reposition them and reduce the pressure on the nerves.
This technique is especially effective for people suffering from herniated discs, as it can help reduce the bulging of the disc and promote the reabsorption of the herniated material. By reducing pressure on the nerves, spinal decompression therapy can provide significant relief from pain and other symptoms associated with a herniated disc.
How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works
During spinal decompression therapy, the patient is positioned on a special table designed to gently stretch the spine. The table’s motorized movement creates a controlled pulling force on the spine, which helps:
- Rehydrate discs: The negative pressure created during decompression allows nutrients, oxygen, and fluids to flow into the discs, promoting healing and hydration.
- Reduce disc bulging: By creating space between the vertebrae, spinal decompression helps reduce the bulging of the disc and the pressure on the nerve.
- Alleviate pain: By decompressing the spine, this therapy can help relieve nerve compression, which is often the source of pain in herniated disc cases.
Spinal decompression therapy is usually performed over a series of sessions, with many patients experiencing noticeable relief after just a few treatments.
Why Combine Chiropractic Care and Spinal Decompression Therapy for Herniated Disc Treatment?
While both chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy can provide effective relief for herniated discs, combining the two treatments offers even greater benefits. Here’s how they work together:
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and addressing nerve compression, while spinal decompression therapy targets the discs themselves. By combining these therapies, patients receive a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses both the structural and soft tissue aspects of the herniated disc.
Faster Recovery
When spinal decompression therapy is paired with chiropractic adjustments, the healing process can be accelerated. The decompression therapy helps to relieve pressure on the discs, while chiropractic care restores alignment and promotes better circulation to the affected area. Together, these therapies support the body’s natural healing processes and lead to faster recovery.
Long-Term Pain Relief
Both treatments are designed to provide long-term pain relief. While spinal decompression helps with immediate relief by addressing the discs, chiropractic adjustments help maintain spinal health and prevent future issues. This combination can lead to lasting relief from pain, improved mobility, and better overall spinal health.
Is Chiropractic Care and Spinal Decompression Therapy Right for You?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, it’s important to consult with a reliable chiropractor to determine if chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy are appropriate for your condition. Many individuals with herniated discs, chronic back pain, or sciatica find relief through these non-surgical treatments, avoiding the need for invasive surgery or long-term medication.
To learn more about how chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy can help with herniated disc treatment, visit Aspire Chiropractic. Their team can assess your condition and provide personalized treatment options to help you achieve long-term relief.
