A herniated disc is a spinal condition. It is most commonly found in the lower back. The spine is made up of 24 bones, five of which are located in the lower back. The spine also contains nerves and intervertebral discs.
Strange neck, back, or extremity pains can indicate a variety of problems, including one or more herniated discs.
With a herniated disc, the jelly-like nucleus of a spinal disc begins to push against its outer ring. If the pressure remains constant, it may push through the outer ring and cause it to bulge. The first symptom of this condition is usually low back pain.
Pain on one side of the body, pain radiating to the arms or legs, aching, burning sensations in the affected area, and pain with certain movements are all possible symptoms.
Other symptoms may include leg weakness, shooting pain down the back of one leg, leg numbness, or loss of bladder control. Back pain can range in severity from mild to severe.
Our physiotherapists in Calgary, AB frequently recommend the following treatments for herniated disc pain:
- Ultrasound therapy or electrical muscle stimulation for fast pain relief and deep penetration of the targeted area
- Alternating treatment with ice and heat to reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles.
- Therapeutic massage to help ease sore muscles
- Aerobic exercises like walking or using a stationary bicycle
- Stretching exercises that help to keep the muscles in the back flexible
Call us today to learn more about how physiotherapy at Ability Physiotherapy can help you live a more pain-free life.
Physiotherapy and relief from herniated discs
Physiotherapy has been shown in studies to be effective in the treatment of herniated discs. If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life or work, or if they have lasted more than two weeks, we recommend seeing a physiotherapist.
Passive treatments for herniated discs will be started by a physiotherapist. Deep tissue massage, cold therapy, hydrotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and traction are examples of passive physical treatments.
Deep tissue massage makes use of pressure to alleviate muscle tension and spasms. Hot therapy can be used to increase blood flow to the affected area and speed up healing. Cold therapy aids in the reduction of inflammation. Hydrotherapy relaxes muscles and relieves pain. The TENS machine generates an electrical current that causes the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, to be released. Traction can be used to relieve pressure on the spine.
Active treatments for disc herniation will also be recommended by a physiotherapist. You’ll do core exercises to strengthen your back, muscle strengthening exercises, and stretching and flexibility exercises to improve your mobility.
Your therapist will teach you self-care principles to help you live a healthy lifestyle through physiotherapy. Physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of disc herniation. It is a noninvasive alternative to surgery and pain medications.
What is the best way to tell if I have a herniated disc?
Following a discussion with your doctor about your symptoms, a physical exam will be performed to determine whether or not you have a herniated disc. A neurological examination may also be performed. Muscle strength and sensation will be tested during this exam.
To confirm the diagnosis, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be performed. This scan can detect a herniated disc in the lower back. It is possible to detect if a disc is putting pressure on the spine. Physiotherapy will most likely be recommended by your doctor for pain relief.
What are the dangers of ignoring a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is usually the result of the spine wearing down with age. It’s called disc degeneration. The discs in your spine have a high water content when you’re young. The water content of the discs decreases with age, and they begin to shrink.
This process predisposes the aging process to disc herniation. Being a male between the ages of 20 and 50, being overweight, engaging in improper lifting and repetitive activities, driving frequently, and living a sedentary lifestyle are all risk factors for back pain and a herniated disc.
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can result in a herniated disc. Weight and genetics are two other risk factors. Excess body weight puts additional strain on the discs. A herniated disc can also be predisposed to by genetics.
When performing physically demanding tasks, it is critical to use safe movement techniques to avoid injuries such as a herniated disc.
Find relief for your back pain today!
Are you experiencing back pain? If so, please contact us. Our certified physiotherapists can help you if you have back pain or a herniated disc.
To target the affected area, an individualized treatment plan will be developed. Why suffer in pain when physiotherapy can help you get back on track to health and wellness? Call Ability Physiotherapy in Calgary, AB today to set up an appointment.
