Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body by MSK Health and Performance Clinic
HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
Real Solutions for Back Pain Caused by Herniated Discs
INSIDE: • UNDERSTANDING THE NITTY-GRITTY OF A HERNIATED DISC • AT HOME EXERCISE • PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
WWW.MSKCLINICS.COM
NEWSLETTER HEALTH & WELLNESS 2024
INSIDE: • UNDERSTANDING THE NITTY- GRITTY OF A HERNIATED DISC • AT HOME EXERCISE • PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
Real Solutions for Back Pain Caused by Herniated Discs
Are you struggling with intense lower back pain? Do you notice straightening up all the way is painful or impossible? Did this pain start after lifting something heavy or twisting your back? If you nodded 'yes' to these questions, you might have a condition known as a herniated disc. Don't worry; there are proven strategies that can help you feel good again! Herniated discs are not always painful, but they can be excruciating when they are. Due to the severity of pain associated with a herniated disc, people will try to avoid hurting themselves more and avoid activity. Unfortunately, misguided healthcare practitioners still recommend rest or, worse, bed rest, which is why getting proper treatment is essential! At MSK Health and Performance Clinic, our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists are fully equipped to guide you toward the relief you've been seeking, allowing you to get back to the activities you genuinely love without pain! UNDERSTANDING THE NITTY-GRITTY OF A HERNIATED DISC To understand what a herniated disc is, it's important first to understand the role of spinal discs. Your discs are like shock absorbers in your spine, absorbing compressive forces and permitting smooth, free movements like bending forward, backward, and rotating. However, as we age, our discs naturally degenerate, begin to dry out, become more stiff, and weaken, becoming more susceptible to herniation. Think of your discs as being like grapes when you're young and then drying up to be more like raisins as you age.
In addition to age, several variables can elevate your risk of experiencing a herniated disc, including: • Smoking: Cigarettes are thought to reduce the supply of oxygen to the disc, causing it to break down more quickly than it normally would. • Occupation: Those engaged in jobs requiring repetitive motions like lifting, bending, and twisting are also more susceptible. • Sedentary Lifestyle: Long durations of sitting, especially in incorrect postures, contribute to increased risk. • Genetics: Family history may play a role in increasing the risk of developing a herniated disc.
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NO MORE DISC DREAD: SOLUTIONS FOR BACK PAIN
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A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like substance in the middle of the disc breaks through the inner aspect of the disc and protrudes out, usually in the back wall of the disc. This bulging out can pinch the nearby spinal nerves, leading to inflammation and excruciating pain that might even radiate down your leg or arm. Even when the disc doesn't affect the nerves, it is infamous for causing sharp and intense pain in the lower back, affecting your ability to move, especially standing upright, and interfering with your overall quality of life. For some, the pain is so unbearable that it hampers even the simplest daily tasks, like sitting, moving, or lying down to sleep. The silver lining? Our team will work together to help you manage your debilitating pain and provide the tools to return to a pain-free life! EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR HERNIATED DISC At your first visit, one of our physiotherapists or chiropractors will perform a comprehensive assessment, including a medical history and physical examination. Afterward, we’ll design a personalized treatment plan specifically for your unique situation that may include the following: • Manual Therapy: Our physiotherapists and chiropractors use passive movement techniques, called mobilizations, to improve the range of motion in the spine, reducing stiffness and pain. • Massage Therapy: Our registered massage therapists can further help you manage pain with gentle soft tissue massage techniques. • Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Targeted stretches to improve spine mobility and muscle flexibility are often the starting point. As you move better, you'll feel better! • Core Strengthening: Exercises like planks and bridges can help stabilize the spine and help in improving proper techniques when performing movements like squatting or lifting activities. • Neural Mobilization: Our team may use neural mobilization or "nerve gliding" exercises to relieve nerve tension, which can reduce the radiating pain commonly associated with herniated discs. Understanding the condition and its management is crucial. Our team often educates the patient about body mechanics, lifestyle changes, and long-term exercise strategies to prevent future episodes. We know that your first step to recovery starts with understanding WHY WAIT? Call MSK Health and Performance Clinic today for a comprehensive evaluation and learn the steps you can actively take to recover from a herniated disc and guard against future occurrences. Book your life- changing appointment today!
TRY THIS AT HOME EXERCISE PECKING WITH ARMS EXTENDED Start by lying flat on your stomach with your arms down by your sides and your palms down. Your forehead should be face down and resting on a towel. Keeping your head in neutral, raise your chest, head, and arms straight up and then lower them back down. 3 Sets | 10 Reps
Not all exercises are appropriate for every person. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting.
Always consult your physiotherapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of.
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We Want To Hear Your Success Story!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
DR. GLENN CASHMAN MSK METROTOWN CHIROPRACTOR How long have you been a chiropractor? 28 years and I still love it! I’m a nerd and a people person so it’s the perfect blend of science and social. Where did you grow up?
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Burnaby, not far from our office. I’ve been up and down these streets on foot, roller skates, skateboards, bikes, and cars! It’s actually been great to be part of the community for so long. What are your best memories from working with the Vancouver Canucks and Giants? Winning the Memorial Cup at home in 2007 was amazing. The Stanley Cup run in 2011 was tough at first but an incredible year in retrospect. What do you do to stay in shape? I have been going to the gym, skiing and climbing mountains for my entire adult life. Do you have any guilty pleasures? I still love a Big Mac now and then, I can’t not have popcorn at the movies and I love a big snowfall in the city. I highly recommend Glenn for your chiropractic needs. Patient Testimonial
VANCOUVER KITSILANO
VANCOUVER DOWNTOWN
BURNABY METROTOWN
COME BACK TO MSK!
HAS YOUR PAIN RETURNED? Call today to book an appointment!
West 4th Ave 604.256.7689 Davie Street 604.330.8966 Kingsway 604.332.7416
"I’ve been seeing Glenn for lower back pain and sports-related injuries for over 10 years. He is extremely thorough and knowledgeable with his methods, and he is always very thoughtful with his explanations about what he’s doing and why. I’ve referred multiple people to Glenn over the years and have received great feedback. I highly recommend Glenn for your chiropractic needs."
Or request an appointment online at mskclinics.com
-M.J.
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