Is Your Back Pain Caused By Herniated Discs?
Back pain can develop for all sorts of reasons. From a car accident to bad posture, to an uncomfortable seat for a prolonged period of time, back pain can come out of nowhere and cause significant discomfort once it arrives. There are some back injuries, however, that are even more painful than your run-of-the-mill back pain. A herniated disc is one of the most painful back injuries that you can experience, and it is far more common than you may be initially aware. What is a Herniated Disc? Your spine is made up of a series of interlocking bones with small cushions in-between each joint socket. The structure of your spine is what allows you to move freely. Every time you crunch your abdomen by bending forward or lean to one side or another for a deep stretch, the vertebral bodies move with you, keeping you comfortable and your back strong. Without cushioning in between each of those sockets, the bones can rub against one another with every movement, and this can be incredibly painful. When a disc becomes herniated, the cushioning in between the vertebrae will rupture and deflate causing the bones to begin to rub against one another. This can be very painful, but can become even more painful if the herniated disc begins to
press on the adjacent spinal nerves, causing the pain to spread further up the spine. The most common placement for a herniated disc is at the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. A herniated disc is one of the most severe forms of back pain. If you suspect that you may have experienced a herniated disc it is important that you seek medical attention, such as from your physical therapist. A herniated disc will not heal on its own. Working with a physical therapist is one of the best ways to experience relief from the pain associated with this common concern. How does this happen? The vertebrae in the spine are stacked closely together, with only a small amount of space for the discs in between each bone. A disc can become herniated as a result of injury, a car accident, or simply from overuse. One of the most common causes of a herniated disc is heavy lifting. Weightlifters have to be wary not to suddenly lift something too heavy because they may experience a slipped disc. But experienced gym-goers are not the only ones at risk. Every time you attempt to move a piece of furniture, a heavy box, or even a big bag of books you need to lift correctly, otherwise face the risk of potentially herniating a disc in your back.
Call Blue Sky Physical Therapy at 303.388.1537 or visit blueskypt.com to schedule your appointment today!
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