Chiropractic – Anne Arundel County, MD 
How often do you think about your spine and what you should do for it? If you’re like many people, the answer is: not very often. If you are like most people, your spinal health is probably not a thing you commonly consider. For many, as long as they can carry on daily, they assume everything is just fine. However, if you suffer from back pain, you likely consider your spinal health more often. Accident victims are at high risk of spinal issues, as are those who smoke cigarettes, are overweight, and who lift heavy objects regularly.
One of the spinal conditions for which patients routinely seek Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic is a herniated disc. This particular neck or back injury typically responds well to chiropractic treatment, so you would be well-advised to schedule an appointment in the early stages, before you’ve had to endure too much pain. Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care for herniated discs can help patients avoid long-term use of prescription pain medicines and the addictive potential and side effects that come along with them.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition where the outer portion of one of the vertebral discs is torn. Due to this rupture, the inner gelatinous part of the intervertebral disc can protrude through the tough, fibrous exterior. This protruding herniated portion of the disc can irritate and compress the nerves surrounding the disc, resulting in pain and inflammation. Herniated discs are also called ruptured discs or slipped discs.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is often a degenerative condition brought on by the normal wear and tear of the aging process. Over time, the intervertebral discs lose their moisture content and lose flexibility. Then, they are more prone to ruptures and tears, even without a whole lot of stress being put on them. The risk of suffering a herniated disc can be increased by being overweight, working a physically demanding job, improper lifting techniques, and even you heredity.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
People can have a herniated disc without experiencing any symptoms. However, others who have the condition may have intense pain. If the herniated disc is in the lower back, you are more likely to feel pain in your hips, buttocks, thighs, and calves. If the problem is in your cervical (neck) vertebrae, you may feel pain in your arms and shoulders. Herniated discs can also cause general weakness, tingling, and numbness. Typically, the nerves irritated by the herniation will then affect the muscles and other body parts that are served by them. Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care can help to alleviate many of the symptoms traditionally associated with herniated discs.
When Should I See a Chiropractor?
If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you would be well-advised to make an appointment with our team as soon as possible. Patients often come to our office with symptoms, but no diagnosis, and we’re happy to see them and work to help them recover. If you have any of the indications or symptoms listed here, or any acute or chronic back pain that’s been undiagnosed, seeking Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care can evaluate the problem and allow our care team to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan.
Elements of Anne Arundel County, MD Chiropractic Care
It’s not uncommon to suffer minor irritation in parts of your body. Injuries, accidents or illnesses can affect the way your joints feel. However, if you are dealing with long-term issues, you should get help for your ailments. Extreme pain and discomfort is no way to live, especially when it inhibits your ability to function and carry out daily responsibilities. Consider exploring Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care to relieve your symptoms. A chiropractor uses a technique called an adjustment to move your spine and joints back into their proper places to promote healing.
The Adjustment
This is the most common treatment patients receive at the chiropractor’s office. The patient will lie on a table—usually on his or her stomach—and the doctor will use sudden, controlled pressure on the affected area. The doctor will realign joints and move the spine so it is aligned in the right way. This treatment can improve posture, range of motion and flexibility.
Conditions Chiropractic in Anne Arundel County, MD Can Treat
People of all ages come to the chiropractor for various reasons. One of the most common reasons you may seek a chiropractor’s help is for back pain or stiffness in the neck. However, chiropractors can help with other issues such as whiplash, headaches and migraines, and slipped discs. Many patients come with complaints of back or neck problems, but the chiropractor can address discomfort in the shoulders, arms and legs, too. The doctor may also be able to provide relief for people who suffer from fibromyalgia, which brings widespread pain throughout muscles, bones and joints.
Stress
People may think of a chiropractor as a doctor that will help reduce pains in certain parts of the body. This professional is also concerned about your stress levels. These feelings can affect your mood and physical health and may even lead to more serious issues. The chiropractor can help reduce stress by releasing muscle tension and spinal nerve irritation. The doctor may even suggest relaxation techniques and supplements.
Health Counseling
Chiropractors also act as valuable sourcing for healthy living. At your appointments, you should share any wellness concerns with the doctor. The chiropractor may provide nutritional advice. Your aches and pains could even be the result of poor posture or improper exercising. The doctor can correct any of these issues and guide you on proper methods.
Anne Arundel County, MD chiropractic care is much more than a doctor popping your back every few days. With the right approach, you can achieve your health and wellness goals with the help of this professional.
For more information or to speak with an experienced chiropractor from Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab, call today.