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 herniated disc chiropractor, to discuss the appropriate therapy to manage symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of a Slipped Disc?
Your symptoms will depend on the location of the herniated disc and whether it is pressing on a nearby nerve. Slipped discs most commonly occur in the lower back, but they can also appear in the neck. If you're experiencing any of the following signs, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional in Singapore, such as a chiropractor, to receive appropriate care for your slipped disc.
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Lower Back Pain That Radiates Down the Leg
If the herniated disc is in your lower back (lumbar spine), you may feel pain that starts in the buttocks and travels down the thigh, calf, or even into the foot. This is often due to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
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Neck Pain That Spreads to the Shoulder and Arm
A slipped disc in the neck (cervical spine) usually causes pain in the shoulder and arm. The discomfort may worsen when you move your neck, sneeze, or cough, and it can radiate down to your hand or fingers.
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Numbness or Tingling in Affected Areas
You may experience a radiating sensation of numbness or tingling in the part of the body served by the compressed nerve. This is a common neurological symptom of disc herniation.
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Muscle Weakness and Reduced Function
Muscles connected to the affected nerve may weaken, making it difficult to lift objects, grip properly, or maintain balance. You may notice frequent stumbling or decreased coordination.
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:
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Lower Back Pain That Radiates Down the Leg
If the herniated disc is in your lower back (lumbar spine), you may feel pain that starts in the buttocks and travels down the thigh, calf, or even into the foot. This is often due to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
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Neck Pain That Spreads to the Shoulder and Arm
A slipped disc in the neck (cervical spine) usually causes pain in the shoulder and arm. The discomfort may worsen when you move your neck, sneeze, or cough, and it can radiate down to your hand or fingers.
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Numbness or Tingling in Affected Areas
You may experience a radiating sensation of numbness or tingling in the part of the body served by the compressed nerve. This is a common neurological symptom of disc herniation.
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Muscle Weakness and Reduced Function
Muscles connected to the affected nerve may weaken, making it difficult to lift objects, grip properly, or maintain balance. You may notice frequent stumbling or decreased coordination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Chiropractic Techniques for Slipped Disc and Disc Herniation
Spinal Manipulation (Adjustments)
Gentle, targeted adjustments to realign the spine and relieve nerve pressure.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
A specialised, low-force adjustment that stretches the spine and reduces disc pressure.
Pelvic Blocking Techniques
Utilises cushioned wedges under the pelvis to improve disc alignment and reduce nerve compression.
Therapeutic Exercises
Strengthening and stabilising exercises prescribed to support recovery.
Chiropractic care, particularly spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), has been studied for its effectiveness in treating lumbar disc herniation (commonly referred to as a "slipped disc").
Spinal Manipulation and Lumbar Disc Herniation
A 2016 prospective study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined outcomes in patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation. The study found significant improvements in pain and disability scores over a one-year follow-up period, suggesting that SMT can be an effective non-surgical treatment option for lumbar disc herniation.
Non-Surgical Treatment and Disc Regression
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders analysed the incidence of regression in symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (SLDH) following non-surgical treatments. The study reported a pooled regression rate of 63%, indicating that non-surgical interventions, including chiropractic care, can lead to significant improvements in disc condition over time.
Chiropractic Care and Reduced Need for Surgery
Research has also explored the impact of chiropractic care on the necessity for surgical interventions. A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that adults experiencing lumbosacral radiculopathy after lumbar discectomy who received SMT were less likely to undergo lumbar spine reoperation compared to those who did not receive SMT.
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.
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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 About Slipped Disc and Disc Herniation
Factors include age-related degeneration, poor posture, repetitive strain, and trauma.
Chiropractic care focuses on spinal adjustments, reducing nerve pressure, and promoting natural healing.
When performed by a licensed chiropractor, the techniques are safe and tailored to individual needs.
Recovery varies, but many patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks of consistent treatment.
Chiropractic care is non-invasive, avoids surgical risks, and emphasizes holistic healing for long-term benefits.
Yes, a slipped disc may cause numbness or weakness by pressing on adjacent nerves, affecting normal nerve function and daily activities.
Discs may herniate due to age-related wear and tear, sudden twisting motions, or improper lifting techniques.
Excess weight puts additional strain on spinal discs, increasing the likelihood of herniation over time.
Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and strengthening exercises to manage pain and improve mobility.
Many individuals recover without surgery using chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management techniques.
Pain relief options include NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and neuropathic pain medications, but a doctor should be consulted before use.
Chiropractic care may help maintain spinal health, correct imbalances, and reduce the risk of recurring disc issues.
Chiropractors may use gentle adjustments to relieve pressure on bulging discs, though effectiveness varies by case.
Treatment duration depends on the severity of the herniation, individual health, and response to chiropractic care.
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