Lower back pain stemming from a herniated disc can be both debilitating and challenging to manage. However, with the right approach, it is possible to alleviate the pain and improve quality of life significantly.
In this blog, we'll explore what a herniated disc is, how chiropractic care can support individuals with this condition, the symptoms associated with a herniated disc, and provide valuable information on how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine (vertebrae) pushes out. This can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
However, some people experience no symptoms from a herniated disc. Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, although they can also occur in the neck.
In the context of how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc, it's crucial to understand the different types of disc herniation:
Each type of herniation can cause varying symptoms and may require different management approaches. The most important first step when looking at how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc is always starting with an accurate diagnosis from your doctor.
Once the problem has been identified then a personalized treatment plan for your condition can be created.
Some disc herniations may also spontaneous regress overtime with conservative treatment. This emphasizes working with the right spine care team who is willing to work and collaborate together.
Chiropractic care is a non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical approach to managing spine related problems, including herniated discs. It involves spinal adjustments which can help improve spinal motion and the overall physical function of the body. Chiropractic care can help aid in how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc.
1. Chiropractic adjustments
Spinal manipulation techniques can vary, but generally involve applying a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. This is often called spinal adjustment. Spinal adjustments can help address the mechanical factors creating pain. The goal is to improve spinal alignment and physical functioning.
2. Flexion-Distraction Technique
This technique involves a gentle stretching of the spine. It can help move the herniated disc away from the nerve, reducing inflammation and pain.
3. Pelvic Blocking Techniques
These techniques use cushioned wedges, which are placed under each side of the pelvis, along with gentle exercises. This can help change the mechanics of the spine and alleviate disc pressure.
Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. Symptoms of a herniated disc can include:
When addressing the concerns of numbness and weakness associated with a herniated disc, it is crucial to understand the potential severity of these symptoms.
Numbness and weakness, especially when they persist or worsen, may indicate nerve irritation or compression caused by the herniated disc. If nerve damage occurs the results could be permanent.
In such cases chiropractic care plays a vital role, not only in managing the symptoms but also in identifying the need for a collaborative approach to treatment. In the process of how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc, timing and efficiency with your provider are important.
As a chiropractor managing how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc, it is essential to recognize when co-management is necessary. Working with other healthcare providers such as pain management specialists, physical therapists or surgeons, is beneficial.
This collaboration ensures a comprehensive treatment plan, addressing all aspects of the patient's condition.
For example, while chiropractic adjustments and therapies can help in relieving nerve pressure and improving spinal function, a pain management specialist might offer interventions to manage acute pain symptoms.
In more severe cases, consultation with a surgeon might be necessary to explore surgical options if conservative treatments do not yield the desired results.
This multi-disciplinary approach emphasizing both chiropractic care and medical interventions, underscores the commitment to finding the root cause of the issue and offering a tailored, patient-centered treatment plan.
Chiropractic treatments can be effective in managing chronic low-back pain symptoms related to disc herniation, particularly when they involve a detailed analysis of a patient's posture and spinal curves.
One study highlighted this in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics discussing the use of chiropractic methods in treating a patient with chronic lumbar disc herniation.
This approach included mirror-image chiropractic adjustments, lumbar extension traction, and postural exercises, which led to a complete resolution of symptoms and restoration of lumbar lordosis in this case study.
Moreover, research in BMJ Open indicates that chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of lumbar discectomy in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
This highlights chiropractic and its potential as a non-surgical treatment option to assist in how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc.
Chiropractic care plays a significant role in reducing opioid consumption primarily by offering an effective, non-pharmacological approach to pain management. When considering how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc it is particularly important to understand the ongoing opioid crisis.
Chiropractic treatments such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, laser, tens units, flexion-distraction and various physical modalities may address the help manage the root cause of pain.
This approach not only helps in managing pain but also mitigates the risks associated with long-term opioid use, such as addiction and other side effects.
A significant study in 2022 titled, “Association between chiropractic care and use of prescription opioids among older medicare beneficiaries with spinal pain: a retrospective observational study” concluded that patients who visited both a chiropractor and a primary care physician had significantly lower chances of using opioid prescriptions compared to those who only saw a primary care doctor.
The risk of filling an opioid prescription within 365 days of the initial visit was 56% lower compared to people who did not see a chiropractor.This study highlights the valuable role of chiropractic care in the management and diagnosis of spinal conditions.
While a herniated disc can be a source of significant discomfort. Chiropractic care offers a viable and effective way to manage and alleviate pain. By understanding the condition, symptoms, and when referrals need to be made chiropractors offer a great option on how to alleviate lower back pain from a herniated disc.
As always consulting with a healthcare professional who is well trained for a diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs is important.
Learn more about a herniated disc treatment provider.
