You need not be afraid of treatment if you have been told that you have a herniated or slipped disc. A herniated disc is a frequent injury with a range of causes, from basic ageing to major accidents. These conditions almost never require surgery and frequently respond effectively to straightforward, non-invasive physical therapy.
There are multiple non-surgical options available that will help you through the rehabilitation process. These procedures enhance your general health and well-being while assisting with disc healing and pain relief. With the right treatment and at-home exercises, you can often expect to recover in a few weeks.
What is A Herniated Disc
The spinal canal and nerve apertures can be widened by bulging, slid, ruptured, and collapsed discs (herniation), collapsed discs, vertebral bone spurs, loose spinal ligaments, and bony growths, which can all aggravate, inflame, and significantly increase chronic pain.
A herniated disc might develop as a result of a single, severe strain or injury. However, as we age, the ligaments that keep the disc in place start to deteriorate naturally. A relatively minor strain or twisting motion might rupture a disc as this degeneration worsens.
Herniated discs may occur in various locations throughout the spine in some people who are more prone to disc issues. According to research, herniated discs may run in families where several members are afflicted.
What are the common symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Depending on the size and position of the herniated disc, the symptoms can vary substantially. You can feel a slight backache or no pain at all if the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve. If a nerve is being compressed, the area of the body where the nerve travels may experience pain, numbness, or weakness. A low back pain episode or a lengthy history of intermittent low back pain typically precedes a herniated disc.
- Sciatica/Radiculopathy is commonly caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine (lower back). When standing, moving, or sitting still, it could be more acute. Pain frequently gets worse when the affected side leg is straightened. Low back pain can accompany leg discomfort, but with acute sciatica, the leg pain is frequently worse than the low back pain.
- Cervical radiculopathy is a term used to describe the symptoms of nerve compression in the neck. These symptoms can include numbness or tingling in the arm or shoulder as well as dull or severe pain in the neck or in the area between the shoulder blades. With some neck postures or motions, the pain could get worse.
Non-surgical Treatments for a Herniated Lumbar Disc
There are multiple non-surgical methods of treating a herniated disc that relieves pain and improves functionally for the patient. You can treat your herniated disc without surgery using the most up-to-date physiotherapy tools and cutting-edge treatment methods.
1. Physical therapy
Physical therapy is crucial for demonstrating certain stretches and exercises for recovery. Your physical therapist will also instruct you on safer techniques to carry out everyday tasks like lifting and walking as a result of the training.
2. Spinal manipulation
Chiropractic or osteopathic spinal manipulations may also reduce pain and improve the healing process.
3. Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy methods like laser therapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Interferential therapy (IFT) are used in conjunction with core exercises to provide quick pain relief.
The back's affected nerve is stimulated by light electrical stimulation, to stimulate healing as well as to release endorphins, which serve as the body's natural painkillers.
4. Acupuncture
Hair-thin needles are placed into the skin close to the painful spot during acupuncture. Acupuncture as a back pain treatment is a widely accepted technique and is found to be very effective.
5. Massage therapy
Through improved blood flow, muscle relaxation, and the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, massage treatment helps reduce back pain.
6. Posture Evaluation and Adjustment
A postural analysis and adjustment should also be taken into consideration. An unneeded pressure on your back is caused by poor posture. The physiotherapist examines your posture and suggests ways to improve it during a postural analysis and correction. Additionally, this would lessen unneeded stress on your spine.
Looking for relief?
Herniated disc pain can be extremely crippling and challenging to manage over time because it occasionally becomes worse with normal activity.
Don’t hesitate to consult a professional right away if you've been delaying dealing with a herniated disc. With the right care and considerate treatment and you can avoid a future of pain and discomfort. To arrange a consultation, call Caring Hands Physiotherapy or visit any of our branches.
Schedule an appointment with Caring Hands Physiotherapy today.
