Can Physiotherapy Help Herniated Discs?
Are you grappling with severe or radiating back pain? Have you been told you have a herniated disc–and wonder what you can do to find relief? The good news is that physiotherapy for herniated discs is an excellent solution for those grappling with this common spinal issue.
Herniated discs occur when the soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine bulges (or, in some cases, ruptures completely). This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. Thankfully, physiotherapy provides effective treatments to help manage these symptoms and promote healing.
So physiotherapy can help herniated discs–but in what way? At PhysioPlus Health Group, we aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall function in your back. By addressing the root cause of your discomfort, physiotherapy not only eases your current pain but also helps you return to your daily activities more quickly.
If you’re suffering from a herniated disc, physiotherapy might be the key to your recovery. Keep reading to learn more about physiotherapy for herniated discs.
How Do I Know If I Have a Herniated Disc?
Herniated discs are actually quite common, and they become more likely as you get older, since aging contributes to the disk degeneration that can lead to herniation. However, not everyone with a herniated disc experiences pain, so you might have one and not know it.
When people do seek treatment for a herniated disc, however, it’s because they’re experiencing painful and often debilitating symptoms, such as the following:
- Pain in the lower back or around your neck
- Sharp, shooting pain that radiates through your leg or arm
- A sense of weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arm or leg
- Pain that feels worse while sitting or standing
- Pain that feels worse at night
As mentioned, most herniated discs result from disc degeneration. Our discs lose some of their water content as we age, making them less flexible and more prone to rupturing or bulging. However, injuries from lifting heavy objects improperly, like twisting while you lift, can lead to a herniated disc.
How Does Physiotherapy Help Address a Herniated Disc?
We start with a comprehensive evaluation. The PhysioPlus Health Group physiotherapists will take a complete health history and assess your symptoms, strength, mobility, and more. This information helps us create a personalized treatment plan.
Physiotherapy for herniated discs involves several key interventions. We’ll work with you to find the ones that best meet your needs:
Pain Management
- We understand that herniated discs can be incredibly painful. Techniques such as heat or cold therapy or electrical stimulation help alleviate muscle tension and pain. We can utilize manual therapy techniques to help with pain management (and improve spinal mobility).
Therapeutic Exercises
- We’ll start with mobility exercises to help reduce tension in your back muscles. As you improve, we’ll move on to exercises designed to strengthen your core muscles. This helps alleviate pressure on the spine, reduce pain, improve overall stability, and prevent future issues.
Lifestyle Modifications
- To help you manage the discomfort of a herniated disc as you work through physiotherapy, we’ll provide guidance on proper body mechanics, help you identify movements that could worsen your condition, and offer tips on protecting your spine during daily activities.
Find Relief from Herniated Discs with Physiotherapy!
At PhysioPlus Health Group, we recognize that no one wants to live with the pain and discomfort of a herniated disc. Physiotherapy offers several solutions to help you get back to an active, healthy lifestyle.
Take the first step towards relief today. Call our Toronto, ON clinic to schedule an appointment. After all, we’re here to help you feel and function better.