Do you ever hear yourself moaning about persistent lower back pain? You may be suffering from a herniated disc. Herniated discs can appear anywhere in the spine, although they are most frequent in the lower back. Back pain can be exacerbated by a variety of medical problems, but in many cases, it is caused by a herniated disk.
Your spine works intensely during the day, and even minor movements will cause discomfort if there are underlying problems. Your spine is made up of 26 bones that are all cushioned by gel-like disks. These discs give the spine stability, but they can also fall out of alignment, or “herniate,” causing discomfort along the nerves.
There’s a possibility you’ve herniated a disc if you’re having back pain. If you’re tired of being unable to do the things you enjoy doing, know that help is available. Contact our office now for more details about herniated disks and to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist.
Symptoms of a herniated disc
Did you know that back pain is the most common form of pain in the United States? The direction of your back pain will also indicate if it is caused by a herniated disk. Herniated disc pain usually begins in the lower back and may extend to the buttocks and calves. Simple daily activities, such as sitting or sneezing, will aggravate the discomfort by putting pressure on the pinched nerves.
Your primary physician will diagnose you with a herniated disc and will likely refer you to a physical therapist for treatment. You may undergo some diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, myelograms, or electromyograms, in order to determine if you do indeed have a herniated disc.
A CT scan will provide images to your doctor by taking several pictures of the spinal cord from different angles. An MRI creates 3D images of the spinal cord that are helpful in detailing where the pain is coming from. A myelogram highlights the spinal cord by injecting dye into the spinal fluid and then taking an x-ray of the spine. An electromyogram helps in determining whether any of the nerves are compressed or damaged by placing a needle electrode into the muscle.
How can physical therapy help a herniated disc?
If you have a herniated disc, a physical therapist will first do a physical assessment to ascertain the level of your physical ability. Following that, a care plan tailored to your individual needs will be created. This will usually consist of a series of stretching and strengthening exercises aimed at relieving the discomfort and improving the body’s normal healing process.
Other specialized treatments may be added into your plan as your physical therapist deems fit, such as ice and heat therapies, massage therapy, ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). The primary goal of physical therapy treatments is to get you back to your normal physical function.
Ice therapy can be used to decrease inflammation, and heat therapy can be used to relieve discomfort and promote recovery. Massage therapy relieves discomfort by massaging the muscles and tissues around the affected area. This improves blood flow, relaxes muscles, and speeds up the healing process. EMS works by blocking pain signals from entering your brain. It also increases the production and release of endorphins throughout your body, which act as natural painkillers.
Contact us today to find relief for your herniated disc:
We understand that living with pain can hinder more than just your physical abilities. It can affect your mental and emotional states as well and make it hard to move through your daily routine without constant worry of pain and discomfort.
Physical therapy is a holistic, noninvasive approach to pain relief. It has been proven to help with several limiting conditions, including herniated discs. In many cases, physical therapy treatments alone can eliminate the need for surgical procedures or harmful drugs.
If you are suffering from a herniated disc, or you’d like to come in for an evaluation, call our office to schedule an appointment today. Our team will help you take the first steps toward long-lasting relief and recovery.
