A herniated disc refers to an issue with one of the rubbery cushions that are in between the vertebrae. A spinal disc has a soft jellylike interior with a tougher exterior. Contact Knox Physical Therapy Clinic to get rid of it.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
While most herniated discs occur in the lower back, they also can occur in the cervical area. Symptoms are dependent on where the disc is located and whether or not it’s compressing a nerve. Typically, one side of the body is affected. You may experience arm or leg pain, tingling or numbness, or weakness. If it is located in the back, you’ll likely experience pain in the buttocks, thigh, and calf. If it’s located in the neck, you’ll likely experience pain in the arm and shoulder. The pain with it can be sharp. Pain, numbness, and tingling can radiate to other parts of the body, too. Keep in mind that you can have it with no symptoms.
Risk Factors of a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is often the result of aging and is known as disc degeneration. With age, the disc becomes less flexible. Lifting heavy objects improperly can cause it. Other risk factors include weight and genetics. Excess body weight causes more stress on the discs. And genetics can predispose one to develop a herniated disc.
Diagnosing a Herniated Disc
Your doctor can diagnose a herniated disc with a physical exam. Your doctor can perform a neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, walking ability, and the ability to feel touch. Imaging tests may be ordered to diagnose the cause of your pain. A CT scan shows cross-sectional images of the spinal column and can pinpoint a herniated disc. An MRI creates images of the body’s internal structures and can also confirm its location.
Physical Therapy in the Treatment of a Herniated Disc
Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery from it. There are a variety of physical therapy techniques, including passive and active treatments. Passive treatments by a physical therapist include hot and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and deep tissue massage. Heat therapy increases blood flow to the target area and enhances healing. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and muscle spasms it. TENS uses tiny electric currents to trigger endorphins and reduces pain. Deep tissue massage stimulates an increase in oxygen and nutrients for pain relief and healing.
Our physical therapist will work with you to develop an active treatment program if you have it. The focus is on flexibility, core stability, and muscle strength. Core strengthening exercises will strengthen the back muscles for better support. Flexibility and stretching exercises will enhance movement. Exercises for muscle strengthening will create strong structural support for the back.
All around, physical therapy can help you recover from a herniated disc and help prevent future injury to the spine. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a herniated disc, it’s wise to contact Knox Physical Therapy Clinic for an accurate diagnosis. Likely, your doctor will recommend physical therapy.
