Could Your Back Pain Be Caused By A Herniated Disc?

Your Tailored Treatment Plan To Help Regain Strength & Mobility How Physical Therapy Effectively Treats Herniated Discs

Anyone suffering from a herniated disk understands that it can be an incredibly uncomfortable and even painful situation, one that can have a serious impact on your lifestyle. Our physical therapists understand your needs, and actively look for ways to help you return to being more active on a daily basis. Your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your needs based on your evaluation and will also incorporate your personal goals. While all treatment plans are unique, the majority f plans include a combination of exercises designed to help you regain strength and mobility in your back. Reduce Pain and Inflammation Your herni ted disk can cause a variety of problems such as pain and reduced mobility. Ther fore, the first goal of therapy is to reduce your immediate pain through a series of stretching exercises that will help relieve pain on your sensitive and i flamed erves. This early stage treatment includes stretching and exercises in fl xibility that can help assist in restoring mobility to the muscles of your spine, arms and legs. Loosening up areas of tightness can help allow for

a healthy blood flow to the affected area, speeding the relief of healing and soothing sore and aggravated nerves. Bolster Strength and Support Having a reliably strong core benefits the back and many systems throughout the body. The next step our physical therapists often recommend is to maintain a series of exercises that are targeted to increasing the strength in your trunk muscles. Similarly, when you strengthen your arm and leg muscles, you can help take some of the fatigue- causing stress off of the muscles of your ba k -- potentially alleviating pain and inflammation. Aerobic exercise is often employed as a tactic as well, since it can help reduce your weight and thus the overall strai on your muscles and other bodily systems. Small, Positive Changes You physical therapist will also work closely with you to determine additional options that can reduce your pain levels and help promote healthy healing. For instance, manual therapy may be recommended to help reduce stiffness in

joints and muscles. Therapists will often ask you to perform a range of normal movements -- such as sitting, standing, walking, bending and lifting -- in an attempt to make small adjustments to your posture or technique that could make a big difference in your ability to heal. Serious Pain Relief In cases where the pain is still intense, physical therapists may recommend additional elements such as ice, traction and even electrical stimulation. All of these relatively non-invasive options work together with exercise and behavior modification to allow your back the time that it needs to heal. All the exercises, manual therapy and special pain intervention will not help in the long term unless you make changes to your posture and movement habits to keep your back healthy. Find a Centra Rehabilitation location near you to learn more about the ways that we can help you get back to feeling healthy again soon -- and reduce your overall pain from a herniated disk.

BounceBack Program This program is part of Centra’s initiative to improve the way low back pain is treated. Early intervention is key. With direct access, you can come in with or without a physician referral. When back pain happens, think Physical Therapy first. Manual Therapy for Back Pain Manual therapy is a specialized treatment for low back pain that requires a therapist have a detailed understanding of the human anatomy. Evidence shows that hands-on therapy techniques are typically the best intervention for people with low back pain. Your detailed evaluation and follow up treatments will be performed by a licensed therapist. In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease back pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension and joint dysfunction. Following the evaluation of your symptoms and movement screen:

1. The therapist will target a specific region of the spine or pelvis with a series of graded, physical movements. 2. This is then followed by exercises focused to strengthen the

back and upper body, improving overall stability. 3. You will receive a detailed home exercise program in addition to your clinic visit.

Centra Rehab Sends Well Wishes To Everyone This Holiday Season! In many cases, these techniques allow return to full physical fu ction in just a few visits. Depending on circumstances, you may feel symptom relief within hours of treatment. For a location nearest you or to make an appointment, please call 434.200.2102. MyKaywaQR-Code rehab.centrahealth.com

The end of the year is approaching faster than you think. Now is the time to take advantage of unused insurance benefits. Remember, what you don’t use by the end of the year you lose. Not sure if Physical Therapy can help? Call to schedule a Free Consult with a licensed physical therapist now and address those “aches/pains” that are slowing you down.