Is Your Back Pain Caused By a Herniated Disc?
If you have had back pain, there is a chance it is caused by a herniated disk. A herniated disc can place extra pressure around the spinal column on the muscles and nerves.
Your symptoms may include pain on one side of the body, pain that radiates to the arms or legs, pain in the affected region, burning sensations, and pain during certain movements.
If you think you may be plagued by a herniated disc, there’s good news on the horizon for you! Physical therapy can offer many health benefits to help you get back to feeling better.
What causes a herniated disc?
A group of bones form the spinal column. The cervical spine is made of seven bones, the lumbar spine has five, and the thoracic spine has twelve. Each disc has a gelatinous inner section and a strong outer ring. If the disc protrudes through the outer ring, it is known as a herniated disc. This can cause numbness, discomfort and pain.
A herniated disc can be caused by a variety of causes such as movements like turning or twisting. Another culprit is moving heavy objects. Being overweight can also cause a herniated disc. This is because more weight needs to be borne by the disks.
The discs start losing some of their protective water content as we age. It allows the disc to fall out of place more quickly. This means elderly are at a higher risk of developing a herniated disc than someone who is in their 20’s or 30’s.
According to Healthline, men are also at a higher risk of developing a herniated disc than women.
How can I know if I have a herniated disc?
Herniated disc pain presents itself in a variety of ways depending on a person’s age, body type, and physical condition. Some common symptoms to look out for with herniated discs are as follows
- Numbness and pain, usually on one side of the body
- Leg or arm pain
- Pain worsens as you move or intensifies at night
- Pain worsens after standing or sitting
- Pain occurs after walking short distances
- Muscle weakness
- Aching, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area
It is important to seek help if you’re experiencing any of all of the above mentioned symptoms, as it could point to a herniated disc. The good news is that there are treatment options available to those suffering from this kind of pain, through physical therapy!
What happens if my back pain isn’t treated?
You might be wondering just how long you can get away with leaving your back pain or herniated disc untreated. You should know that a severe slipped disc can lead to permanent nerve damage. This will only lead to other problems that will no doubt, land you a physical therapist’s office, anyways!
If your back pain is so debilitating that you can no longer do normal, everyday activities, this is a sign that your condition is worsening and you need to see a specialist.
How can physical therapy benefit a herniated disc?
Treatments for a slipped disc can vary. Some people may opt for surgery, however, treatment typically depends on the level of pain and discomfort a person is experiencing and how far the disc has slipped out of place.
When healing from a herniated disc, physical therapy plays a vital role. It’s a safer, healthier alternative than surgery as well. For pain relief and recovery, a physical therapist uses distinct strategies. A few examples of passive therapies involve passive treatments such as deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation and hot and cold therapy.
Deep tissue massage uses pressure to relieve spasms and deep muscle tension caused by herniated discs. Hot therapy stimulates the flow of blood to the region affected and facilitates healing. Cold treatment minimizes inflammation. By transmitting a tiny electric current to the nerve pathway, electric nerve stimulation decreases muscle spasm.
A physical therapist’s active treatments address joint mobility, stability, flexibility, strength and posture. In order to strengthen the back muscles, a physical therapist will teach you core stabilizing exercises.
To improve and condition the body, you’ll also participate in body muscle exercises. In addition, you will be taught flexibility exercises and proper strengthening techniques by a physical therapist.
If you have back pain, know that you can turn to physical therapy for help. A physical therapist will do a comprehensive exam and review your medical history to determine if you have a herniated disc. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a physical therapist will then create and implement a personalized treatment plan targeted to the affected area.
What’s the next step?
The goal of physical therapy is to help you attain an active and pain-free life. It’s helped thousands of others and can help you, too. Get on the road to recovery from a herniated disc with physical therapy.