How Physical Therapy Can Help With Herniated Discs
What is a Herniated Disc?
The disc is a fluid-filled sac surrounded by a tire-like structure. The disc acts as a cushion between the bones of the spine and helps protect the nerves. A disc “herniates” when the tire wall breaks and the fluid leaks out. This can put pressure on a nerve and in severe cases on the spinal cord. Lumbar (or lower back) disc herniations are the most common followed by the cervical spine (neck). A disc can herniate suddenly due to trauma or slowly over time due to long-term pressure on the spine, such as prolonged sitting with poor posture.
Common symptoms may include:
Pain or discomfort with bending and rotating at the neck or lower back;
Tingling/numbness into upper or lower extremity
Weakness in arms or legs
Difficulty with standing upright or having to change positions frequently
Symptoms are often worse in the morning
The Physical Therapist’s Role:
A physical therapist will provide a thorough evaluation of your movement and functional capacity while taking into account your specific symptoms. With this information your physical therapist can develop a specific treatment plan to help reduce your pain and get you back to your normal routine. Your physical therapist will likely prescribe a combination of exercises, stretches and activities to avoid while you’re recovering.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or have some general questions regarding low back pain, sciatica or disc herniations contact Elevate PTR. We are here to help keep you moving!
