Herniated Disc Treatment

Herniated Disc Treatment

If you have a herniated disc, you know the pain it can cause and how it can impact your range of motion. Although herniated discs can be very painful, the majority of people can find relief within weeks or months with non-surgical herniated disc treatments, such as physical therapy. Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy proves herniated disc treatments that are tailored to your specific needs and abilities. With the personalized care of our expert physical therapists, you can find relief and heal from your symptoms.

What Is A Herniated Disc?

Your spine consists of bones called vertebrae that are cushioned by round discs. These spinal discs function as shock absorbers for your spine so that you can move with ease. They have a tough, rubbery outer layer (the annulus) and a soft, jelly-like center (the nucleus). When the annulus tears and the nucleus starts to push out through it, this is known as a herniating disc. Herniated discs are also referred to as slipped, ruptured, or bulging discs. 

Symptoms

Not everyone who has a herniated disc experiences symptoms. Those who do, often find that the symptoms improve either on their own or with non-surgical measures, such as physical therapy. It is rare to need surgery to fix this issue, but it can be necessary in extreme cases. 

Symptoms can vary depending on where in your spine the herniated disc is. Whether or not your disc is pressing on a nerve can also influence the symptoms you experience. Typically, people notice symptoms on one side of their body.

Some of the symptoms of herniated discs include:

• Sciatic nerve pain
• Back pain
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling or numbness in your arms or legs
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Loss of bladder or bowel control. If you experience this symptom, it can be an indicator of a more serious condition called cauda equina syndrome. You will need to seek immediate medical attention. 

Causes

In most cases, herniated discs result from normal, age-related disc degeneration due to wear and tear from daily activities. As people age, their discs become less flexible, due to decreased water content, which can cause them to shrink and leave them vulnerable to potential herniation. 

Herniated discs can also occur after a traumatic event, such as a fall. Excessive strain can also cause this condition. Some people are predisposed to herniated discs, due to a family history of it. Many people cannot pinpoint the cause of their disc herniation. 

Risk Factors

There are some factors that increase your risk of herniated discs, such as:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Smoking
• A physically demanding job
• Improper lifting techniques
• A sedentary job or lifestyle
• Frequent driving
• Excessive weight

Herniated Disc Treatment

Physical therapy can play a significant role in recovering from herniated discs. In addition to helping you heal with herniated disc treatments, your physical therapist can also educate you on how to prevent disc herniation in the future. 

While 1 or 2 days of rest can alleviate some of your pain, you want to resume activity after, as movement can strengthen your muscles and prevent stiffness that could worsen your pain. Here at Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy, we can guide you through exercises and stretches designed to speed up your herniated disc treatment and recovery, including at-home exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine. 

Herniated disc treatments vary depending on your specific needs and abilities. They generally include both passive and active treatments. Passive treatments may include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, traction, and more. Active herniated disc treatments may include stretching, core stability, hydrotherapy, light strength training, and more. If exercise is painful, aquatic therapy can help you stay active in a way that reduces pressure on your spine. 

Physical therapy can reduce your pain and other symptoms, improve your posture, flexibility, strength, and range of motion, and teach you what lifestyle changes you can make in order to prevent a future disc herniation.

In the rare event that you need surgery in order to fix your herniated disc, a physical therapist can provide you with both pre-and post-operative care to help you recover.

Physical Therapists In Northern Utah

Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy has multiple locations throughout Northern Utah. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, our physical therapists are here to help you heal and reclaim your life. Contact one of our offices in Layton, Syracuse, Roy, or Farmington to schedule a consultation for herniated disc treatment.