Herniated discs are a common ailment that can happen to anybody. They occur when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a weak point in the outer circle of cartilage, creating a herniation. However, just what is a herniated disc? And why does it occur?
Herniated discs are more common as we grow older since our discs lose moisture as we get older. They can also be set off by sudden motions such as tossing or lifting heavy items, twisting quickly or hyperextending your back. If you’ve been experiencing pain in the back or neck pain and are worried that you might have a herniated disc, this blog post will help you learn about what to expect from physiotherapy for a herniated disc and how it can help minimize your discomfort with daily activities and enhance your quality of life.
What Signs & Symptoms to Anticipate From a Herniated Disc?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is essential to visit your medical professional to rule out any other causes:
- Pain that shoots down your leg or in your back/legs (This discomfort is typically worse when you are moving and is frequently referred to as a sensation of "pins and needles".)
- Tingling, feeling numb or weakness in the legs
- A sensation of heaviness or stiffness in your back
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Shortness of breath
- Spontaneous discomfort in the back or legs
Your physician can assess your problem and confirm whether you actually have disc herniations. They may also order an MRI or CT scan to have a better look inside your spinal column and validate the medical diagnosis.
The Physiotherapy Process for a Herniated Disc
A physical therapist will begin by gathering information about your signs and symptoms and conducting a thorough evaluation of your spinal column and surrounding muscles. They’ll likewise ask about your general health, any other symptoms you may be suffering from, and your daily life.
Though the precise process will vary depending upon the severity of your condition, many herniated discs will require a mixture of stretching and strengthening exercises. Physiotherapy treatment sessions are normally one or two times weekly and last around 45-60 minutes each session.
How Does Physiotherapy Assist With a Herniated Disc?
Physiotherapy can help alleviate your discomfort and accelerate your healing by integrating both manual therapy and movement therapy. A manual therapy treatment will focus on your pain and include techniques such as joint movement or back adjustment. A workout therapy treatment will concentrate on strengthening your muscles, enhancing your posture, and minimizing your pain and disability. Depending on your health condition, your physiotherapist may advise one or a combination of the following treatments:
- Muscle-strengthening movements. These movements help strengthen your core, back and leg muscles and improve your posture. They will likewise help you to avoid extreme twisting and lifting.
- Core stabilization and breathing workouts. These exercises support your core muscles during day-to-day activities and strengthen your back, abdomen and pelvic muscles.
- Postural braces. A physiotherapist may suggest a brace to serve to support your back and reduce your pain.
- Specifically-targeted workouts. These are movements that are developed to help you improve your condition. They will be customized to your condition and may involve conditioning, stretching or both.
Strengthening Exercises
Exercises to build up the muscle tissues surrounding your spinal column and lower back are a vital part of physiotherapy for a herniated disc. They can help to improve your posture and reduce your pain. Your physiotherapist should provide custom strengthening exercises for your unique needs.
A few other typical building up exercises are:
Swimming: Swimming is an exceptional low-impact workout that's low-risk for individuals with pain in the back. Swimming can improve your mobility and range of movement while supplying a low-impact cardiovascular exercise.
Pilates: Pilates is a workout system that concentrates on increasing flexibility and strength in the core muscles. It's an outstanding workout to enhance posture and minimize low back pain.
Yoga: Yoga is yet another exceptional low-impact workout that can be extremely effective for individuals with pain in the back. It can improve mobility and minimize discomfort and tightness in your back.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching is a vital part of physiotherapy for a herniated disc and helps reduce your pain and improve your flexibility as well. Some of the most successful stretching workouts your physio therapist might advise are:
Sitting Stretch: Rest on the floor with both legs extended before you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor with your knee bent at 90 degrees. Place your left hand on the floor a little bit behind your left hip for support. Twist your torso to the right and put your left hand on the floor surface behind your right leg. Hold this posture for 10 seconds and after that switch sides.
Standing Stretch: Stand with your feet shoulder-width separated. Bend your hips and knees towards your torso to lower yourself into a squatting position. Hold this placement for 10 seconds, stand back up and then flex your upper body towards the left to extend your right side. Hold this position for ten seconds and after that bend your upper body to the right to stretch your left side.
Wall Stretch: Stand with your back together with a wall and both legs extended out in front of you. Angle your knees and position your hands behind your head. Push your hips toward the wall and slowly flex your knees towards the floor till you sense a stretch in your lower back. Keep this position for ten seconds and after that stand back up.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for herniated discs. A combination of hands-on therapy and exercise therapy can aid in reducing your discomfort, accelerating your recuperation and helping you return to your daily activities.
Depending upon your disorder, your physiotherapist may suggest one or a mixture of the following treatments: muscle strengthening workouts, core stabilization and breathing workouts, postural braces, and specifically-targeted workouts.
Call Ottawa Physical Rehab Clinic soon and we can start relieving your herniated disc pain. Now booking new appointments!
