Nova_Understanding 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 no small amount of discomfort once it arrives.

Newsletter The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body UNDERSTANDING 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 no small amount of discomfort once it arrives. (continued inside)

INSIDE: • Understanding Herniated Discs • See the Experts in Physical Therapy • Healthy Recipe • Exercise Essentials

www.novaphysicaltherapy.com

Newsletter The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

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 from side to side. Every time you crunch your abdomen by bending forward, or lean to one side or another for a deep stretch, those little vertebral bodies move with you, keeping you comfortable and your back strong. Without cushioning in between each of those sockets, the bones would rub against one another with every movement, and this would be incredibly painful. HERNIATED DISCS (continued from outside) Understanding

When a disc becomes herniated, the cushioning in between the vertebrae will rupture, essentially deflating the cushioning in between the vertebrae and causing the bones to begin to rub against one another. This is painful enough as it is, but can become even more painful if the herniated disc actually begins to press on the adjacent spinal nerves, causing the pain to spread even further up the spine. Themostcommonplacement foraherniateddisc isat the lumbarvertebrae in the lower back. While it is not the only reason that pain can become severe in the lower back, it is definitely 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, and working with a physical therapist is one of the best ways to experience relief from the pain associated with this common concern.

(continued inside)

www.novaphysicaltherapy.com

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, car accident, or even simply from overuse. One of the most common causes of a herniated disc is heavy lifting. Weight lifters have to be especially wary not to suddenly lift something too heavy, otherwise risk experiencing 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 be wary to lift correctly, otherwise you face the risk of potentially herniating a disc in your back. Treatment for Herniated Discs Pain associated with a herniated disc often develops in the sciatica nerve, and doesn’t subside with simple rest and relaxation. While hot and cold therapy will help alleviate the pain associated with many different back issues, it won’t make the pain of a herniated disc go away. The pain is often frequently associated with numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs. In many situations, the pain will feel more severe after initial movement, such as standing up or laying down. Many people mistakenly refer to having a herniated disc as having “pinched a nerve,” but that is not the case. UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS (continued from outside)

Physical therapy is a great resource for attempting to overcome the pain associated with a herniated disc. A combination of passive and active techniques is typically employed, including deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy, as well as deep stretching and strength building. If you suspect that you may have a herniated disc, contact a physical therapist right away. Attempting to engage in therapy at home could lead to further injury. It is best to have an experienced therapist assess your injury before attempting any treatment options. Call 703-723-4088 today to learn more about how physical therapy at Nova Rehabilitation can help you.

Healthy Recipe: Honey& Garlic Salmon

Exercise Essentials Try this simple exercise to help relieve back pain.

INGREDIENTS • 1 1/4 lb salmon fillets • 2 tsp olive oil

Relieves Back Pain

• salt and pepper to taste • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 cup water • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce • 3 tbsp honey • 2 tsp cornstarch

www.simpleset.net

SWAN DIVE Lay on stomach with your arms overhead. With your arms for support, press your chest and torso upward, keeping the muscles in your trunk and legs relaxed. Repeat 6 times.

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley • lemon wedges for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste. Place the salmon skin side up in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan, place on a plate while covering with foil to keep warm. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Add the water, soy sauce and honey combination to the pan, and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl,whisk together thecornstarchwith1 tablespooncoldwater.Slowlypour the cornstarch mixture into the pan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until sauce has just thickened. Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Recipe/Photo Courtesy: Sara of dinneratthezoo.com/honey-garlic-salmon

You Can Start Feeling Better Now, Call Today! 703-723-4088

SEE THE EXPERTS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

Vinod Mathew, PT Vinod Mathew is a Board Certified Physical TherapistandanactivememberofAmerican PhysicalTherapy Association (APTA). Vinod Mathew graduated from Fr Mullers Institute of Medical Education & Research, India in 1997. He obtained a Masters in Manual Therapy from the renowned University of Melbourne, Australia in 2001. He has over 20 years of clinical experience.

Chris Kirby Smith, PTA, BS Kinesiology

Chris Kirby-Smith has been treating patients at NOVA Rehabilitation since January 2017. Chris received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, the study of human movement, from the University of Maryland, College Park, School of Public Health in 2009. Chris graduated fromCarrollCommunityCollege’s Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2011.

He is described by his patients as a highly competent and compassionate clinician. NOVA Rehabilitation was a long awaited dream of Vinod Mathew that finally became a reality in September 2011. Since then we have established exceptional quality physical therapy services in Northern VA. At NOVA Rehabilitation personalized care and treatment is what you will receive. Little to no wait time and a hands on holistic approach. Education University of Melbourne, Master’s in Manual Therapy Father Muller Medical College (Bachelor’s) Awards and Publications Certified in Inter Segmenial Dry Needling Technique MS in Manual Therapy (Australia)

Chris has helped patients at NOVA Rehabilitation reach or exceed their goals with hands-on manual techniques and personalized therapeutic exercises. Chris also utilizes IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) techniques and Kinesio taping to help patient’s return to or surpass their previous level of function. Outside of the clinic, Chris enjoys outdoor activities including playing golf, hiking, camping, surfing, snowboarding, and riding off-road trials with his wife and two dogs. Chris dedicates time to training to reach his own goals attending HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and CROSSFIT classes.

Charles Mack Jr., DPT Charles Mack Jr. (DPT) has been with NOVA Rehabilitation for more than one year. He has also worked at the facility as a student intern for 10 weeks in Spring 2017. Charles Mack Jr. graduated from Wichita StateUniversity inMay2017.WhileatWichita St, Charles co-taught “Neuromuscular Examination, Assessment and Interventions” & “Clinical Skills” as a graduate teachers

Discover HowYou Can Live Pain-Free! At NOVA Rehabilitation, you will receive hands-on therapy treatments by our friendly, caring health experts during focused and individualized sessions. It’s time to go to NOVA Rehabilitation if: • You’re tired of living in pain • You want to feel better and move better • You have been in an auto accident or injured on the job • You want to prevent injury 1. Call and talk to your therapist 2. Discover why your pain has come back 3. Get your custom recovery program

assistant. He has Basic & Performance certifications in Functional Movement Training (FMT) Taping. He is IASTM Smart tools certified. Charles is certified in Dry needling level 1 with plans of taking the level 2 course this upcoming fall. He works with patients of varying ages, concentrating his work largely in the orthopedic, neurological, and sports rehabilitation sectors of physical therapy. Charles was involved in an auto accident when he was 16 years old in which he was hit by an 18-wheeler semi-trailer truck. As a result of the accident, he had 21 surgeries, over 150 different types of medication administered to him, and experienced three separate incidences of cardiac arrest, while recovering in the hospital. Charles enjoys playing sports, going fishing, and attending church. He believes that the road life has taken him on has given him the desire to always make the most of every moment. Charles aspires to take this mindset to work with him every day, while treating his clients. He lives in our own Loudoun county with his wife.

www.novaphysicaltherapy.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

novaphysicaltherapy.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs