SportsRehab: Herniated Discs

HOWDOES A HERNIATED DISC 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 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. 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 haveaherniateddisc, contact aphysical 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.

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BUCATINI WITH MUSHROOMS

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms • 2/3 cup boiling water

• 2 (4-oz) packages exotic mushroom blend • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp dry sherry • 2 oz Parmigiano cheese • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 tsp chopped sage • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper • 1 tsp truffle oil sage sprigs (optional)

• 8 oz uncooked bucatini • 3 1/4 tsp salt, divided • 1 tbsp canola oil • 1/4 cup chopped shallots

DIRECTIONS Rinse porcini thoroughly. Combine porcini and 2/3 cup boiling water in a bowl; cover and let stand 30 minutes. Drain in over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup soaking liquid. Chop porcini. Cook pasta with 1 tablespoon salt in boiling water 10 minutes; drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving1/4cupcooking liquid.Heatoil ina largeskilletovermedium-highheat.Addshallots, mushroom blend, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in porcini, sherry, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute. Finely grate 1 ounce cheese; crumble remaining cheese. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in pasta, 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid, 1/4 cup reserved porcini soaking liquid, 1/4 cup grated cheese, cream, chopped sage, and pepper; toss well to combine. Drizzle with oil; toss. Place about 1 1/4 cups pasta mixture on each of 4 plates; top each serving with about 1 tablespoon crumbled cheese. Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.

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