CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR SLIPPED DISC IN SINGAPORE
The discs are protective shock-absorbing pads between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Although they do not actually “slip,” a disc may move, split, or rupture. This may cause the disc cartilage and nearby tissue to fail (herniate), allowing the inner gel portion of the disc to escape into the surrounding tissue. This leaking jelly-like substance or slipped disc can place pressure on the spinal cord or on an adjacent nerve, causing symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness either around the damaged disc or anywhere along the area supplied by that nerve. When this occurs, it is advised to see a healthcare professional in Singapore, such as a chiropractor, to discuss the appropriate therapy to manage symptoms.
WHAT CAUSES A SLIPPED/HERNIATED DISC?
AGING
Slipped discs are usually caused by gradual, ageing-related wear and tear also known as disc degeneration. Additionally, as you age, your discs become less flexible, putting you at risk of tearing or rupturing them with even a minor twist or strain.
OVEREXERTION
Overexertion from twisting or lifting objects can result in a slipped disc. When you lift heavy objects, it can put a significant strain on your lower back, which can result in a slipped disc. As such, physically demanding jobs may put you at increased risk of developing a herniated disc.
BEING OVERWEIGHT
Being overweight can also put you at risk of herniated discs because the discs may be unable to support the additional weight. If you have weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle, this can also contribute to developing a herniated disc.
INJURIES
Chiropractors for sports injuries often address herniated discs caused by sudden trauma or repetitive strain, as sports involving twisting, bending, or heavy lifting can predispose individuals to disc injuries. Chiropractors may help manage pain, promote healing, and potentially restore function through spinal adjustments and other techniques.
GENETICS
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to weaker or more fragile discs, making them more susceptible to herniation.
BAD POSTURE
Poor posture places uneven stress on the spine, contributing to disc problems. Slouching, hunching, or consistently adopting incorrect sitting or standing positions can gradually wear down the discs over time. Chiropractors can perform postural assessments to potentially identify imbalances and recommend exercises or adjustments to improve posture and manage unwanted pressure on the discs.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SLIPPED DISC?
Your signs and symptoms will depend on which part of your spine the disc is in and whether the disc is pressing on a nerve. In most cases, herniated discs happen in your lower back, but they can also happen in your neck which would result in different symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional in Singapore, such as a chiropractor, so you can get slipped disc care that suits your condition:
- For herniated discs in your lower back, you may feel pain in your buttocks, thigh, calf, and some parts of your foot.
- If the slipped disc is in your neck, you will feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. The pain might even affect your arm or leg when you sneeze or move into certain positions.
- You may feel a radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
- Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to go weak, causing you to stumble or affect your ability to grasp or lift objects.
HERNIATED DISC VS BULGING DISC: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE
A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like substance of the disc ruptures through a tear in the outer layer, while a bulging disc involves a less severe protrusion of the disc without a complete rupture. Both conditions have similar causes and symptoms. Additionally, both conditions can cause pain and nerve irritation, but a herniated disc is generally more severe as it places significant pressure on nearby nerves.
Chiropractic care methods for both conditions aim to reduce pressure on the affected nerve, manage pain, and promote some level of healing. However, the specific techniques used may vary depending on the severity and location of the disc problem. For example, the flexion-distraction technique may be more beneficial for herniated discs, while gentle spinal adjustments may be suitable for bulging discs.
HOW CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT FOR SLIPPED DISCS WORKS
Chiropractic care may help by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances and potentially reducing pressure on the affected nerve associated with your slipped disc. When you visit a chiropractic clinic in Singapore, a chiropractor may suggest different approaches like soft tissue therapies and exercises with the goal of improving the alignment and mobility of your spine, reducing inflammation, and managing the pain.
During certain chiropractic therapies for slipped discs, a chiropractor may use their hands or tools to apply controlled force to the affected section of your back. This technique is intended to support the alignment of the joint, which may reduce pain and improve mobility. This is because proper alignment may help reduce pressure on the affected vertebrae and address inflammation. In turn, it may help manage the pain and discomfort associated with herniated discs, as well as potentially improve your range of motion.
The chiropractor will have to do an initial assessment of your condition to see if chiropractic care can be suitable for your slipped disc. You might undergo several tests, like a physical exam, orthopaedic test, and neurological test before they perform any chiropractic therapy. Should they see that chiropractic care can be beneficial for your slipped disc, then they may develop a personalised plan to improve your well-being.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR SLIPPED DISCS
There are several potential benefits to getting help from a chiropractor in Singapore for your slipped disc, including:
- Pain management – Chiropractic care could help reduce the intensity and frequency of your back pain caused by a slipped disc.
- Improved mobility – Chiropractic care has the potential to support the proper alignment and mobility of your spine, possibly enabling you to increase your range of motion and flexibility.
- Reduced inflammation – Chiropractic care and soft tissue therapies may help in reducing inflammation in the affected area.
- Non-invasive – If you want a non-invasive and drug-free approach to address your slipped disc, chiropractic care may be a suitable option for you.
- Improved well-being – Aside from managing your symptoms, chiropractic care may also have additional health benefits, including reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.
THERAPY OPTIONS FOR SLIPPED DISC IN SINGAPORE
Aside from chiropractic care, there are several other therapy options that may assist in managing your slipped disc.
For lumbar and cervical herniated discs, conservative (non-surgical) therapy may be applied for around four to six weeks with the aim of relieving pain and discomfort. A process of trial and error is often necessary to find the right combination of therapies for your slipped disc. You may try one therapy option at a time or may find it helpful to use a combination of options at once.
However, for severe cases, conservative therapy may not be effective in addressing herniated disc symptoms. As such, you may be required to undergo surgery. Here is what you should know about the different slipped disc care available:
DISC HERNIATION THERAPY
Disc herniation therapy involves different therapeutic approaches that aim to relieve pressure on the affected nerves and reduce inflammation around the herniated disc. These therapeutic approaches include physical therapy, chiropractic care, and even surgery.
Other than managing pain, minimising inflammation, and improving mobility, undergoing disc herniation therapy in Singapore may provide better long-term outcomes by reducing your risk of future herniations and other spine-related problems. This could enable you to maintain your mobility and an optimal quality of life in the long run.
MEDICATIONS
If pain is mild to moderate, you may be prescribed over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate discomfort in the affected area. In some cases, you may be prescribed muscle relaxers if you’re experiencing muscle spasms or neuropathic drugs for stronger pain relief.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
A physical therapist may help with disc herniation therapy, showing you positions and exercises that could minimise pain and discomfort, as well as potentially improve your mobility.
SURGERY
For severe cases wherein conservative therapy is no longer effective, you may be required to undergo surgery. Your chiropractor may recommend surgery when you’re experiencing poorly controlled pain, numbness or weakness, incontinence, or difficulty walking or standing due to your herniated disc. In this case, surgeons will remove the damaged portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.
WHY CHOOSE TRUE CHIROPRACTIC FOR YOUR SLIPPED DISC?
A chiropractor strives to enable you to achieve optimal health naturally through patient education and chiropractic therapies. Their goal is to ensure your well-being and assist you in making an informed decision on suitable care options for your slipped disc. They work with you in managing your symptoms through a drug-free, non-invasive, and natural approach so that you can enjoy your life and get back to performing your daily activities optimally. Chiropractors in Singapore are also capable of providing knee pain therapy, arm pain relief and other neuromuscular chiropractic care.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
If you’re searching for chiropractic care for slipped discs in Singapore, seek out a reputable chiropractor who will listen to your concerns and make the necessary adjustments to their therapeutic approaches to support your individual needs and health goals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, a slipped disc may cause numbness or weakness in the body. When a disc herniates, it may press on adjacent nerves, leading to symptoms that extend beyond mere pain. This pressure may interrupt normal nerve function, resulting in sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the areas of the body served by the affected nerves. Such symptoms could manifest anywhere along the nerve’s pathway, potentially affecting one’s ability to perform everyday tasks with the usual dexterity or strength. When one faces such symptoms, it is advised to seek appropriate therapy and treatments to manage the condition.
Discs may herniate or “slip” primarily due to gradual, age-related wear and tear, known as disc degeneration. This may make them more susceptible to tearing or rupturing with even a minor twist or strain. Additionally, certain motions involving twisting and turning or the improper lifting of objects can place excessive strain on the discs, potentially increasing the risk of herniation.
Being overweight may increase the risk of a slipped disc. The extra weight puts additional pressure on the discs in your spine, especially those in the lower back, challenging their ability to cushion and support the vertebral bones effectively.
Without seeking the appropriate treatment, this increased load could over time contribute to the wear and tear of the discs, potentially making them more prone to herniation. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise may thus contribute to minimising the risk of a slipped disc.
To manage disc herniation, chiropractors could employ a variety of techniques aimed at managing pain and enhancing mobility. These therapies may include applying controlled force to the affected joints, and soft tissue therapies which aim to reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
Additionally, exercises with the goal of strengthening the musculoskeletal system surrounding the spine may also be recommended. These therapies are usually tailored to the individual’s condition and recovery goals.
A slipped disc may be cured without resorting to surgery. However, it is highly dependent on the individual’s condition and their choice of treatment route.
Some individuals might find some level of relief through conservative methods such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and medication for pain management. The non-surgical approaches adopted by chiropractors focus on pain management, potentially increasing mobility, and strengthening the muscles around the spine, which may address symptoms associated with a slipped disc.
For the relief of pain associated with a slipped disc, over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be recommended. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain, muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms, and, in more severe cases, neuropathic pain medications to address nerve pain.
Do note that it is crucial to consult with a medical professional before taking any of these medications to ensure they are suitable for your specific condition and to avoid any potential adverse effects.
Chiropractic care could play a role in managing future spine-related problems by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances and potentially promoting proper spinal alignment. Regular chiropractic care by a chiropractor, coupled with proper medical care and support, could help maintain spinal health and potentially minimise the risk of recurrence of issues like slipped discs.
Chiropractors may provide some level of relief for individuals with a bulging disc in the lower back. Through gentle adjustments and mobilisation techniques, they may address pressure on the disc and surrounding nerves, potentially reducing pain and inflammation. However, the effectiveness of chiropractic care can vary depending on the severity of the bulge and individual factors such as the patient’s overall health, the duration of the condition, and adherence to recommended lifestyle modifications.
The time it takes for a chiropractor to address a herniated disc varies depending on the severity of the herniation, the individual’s overall health, and their response to treatment. Chiropractic care aims to manage symptoms, improve mobility, and facilitate the body’s natural healing process. Therefore, some individuals may experience relief after a few sessions, while others may require a more extended management plan.
