Advantage Rehab: Herniated Discs

Health & Wellness Newsletter by Advantage Rehab Inc.

Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Physical Therapy Is The Leading Role! Ah, the herniated disc again. Only about 2 months ago I had a run in with my old friend. A bad one this time. I couldn’t put any weight through my legs first thing in the morning. I spent most of my day hunched forward and day-to-day tasks seemed impossible. This time it was a longer recovery for me. What usually took a couple weeks had now put me out for five. Five very long weeks. Some days were better than others but one simple wrong move made it angry again. Why do I tell you this? Because I am now walking and functioning again as if it had never happened. I used the tools and techniques I’d been trained on to fight through it...again. As frustrating as it is, it can be done...without the use of drugs or surgery. That being said, we understand here at ARI when it’s time to seek outside help from other practitioners to help with your situation when needed and will always help you through that process. Our bodies have the incredible ability to heal if we give it time and do what we know will give us relief along the way. Physical therapy was the leading role in this. Call and ask me how! ASHLEY KUHNAU, PTA

Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“Tired of Pedaling Through Pain?” UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS

INSIDE: • Treatment For Herniated Discs • Relieve Back Pain In Minutes • Patient Success Spotlight • Free Back Pain Consultation

Discussing Herniated Discs with Mike Savageau, PT

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. The most common placement for a herniated disc is at the lumbar vertebrae 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. 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 face the risk of potentially herniating a disc in your back.

Dear Valued Client,

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. There are some back

MIKE SAVAGEAU PT/CEO/Owner

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.

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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, hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy, as well as deep stretching and strength building. Ifyou suspect thatyou may haveaherniateddisc, contactaphysical 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 us today to schedule an appointment!

Healthy Recipe: Sweet Potato-Pecan Casserole

PRONE ON ELBOWS Lying face down, slowly raise up and prop yourself up on your elbows. Hold for 8 seconds. Repeat 8 times. Strengthens Back Muscles Relieve Back Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain. www.simpleset.net

INGREDIENTS • 3 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 1-inch chunks • 1/3 cup honey • 1 large egg

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 1/8 tsp ground ginger • Kosher salt

• 1 tbsp packed dark brown sugar • 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mist an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.Bringa few inchesofwater toaboil inapotwitha largesteamerbasket inplace. Put the sweet potatoes in the basket, cover and steam until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer thepotatoes toabowland letcoolslightly.Add thehoney,egg,1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the nutmeg, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt; whip with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread the sweet potato mixture in the prepared baking dish. Mix the brown sugar, pecans and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl; sprinkle over the potatoes. Bake until hot and beginning to brown around the edges, 40 to 45 minutes.

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DISCOVER HOW TO LIVE PAIN-FREE

At Advantage Rehab Inc., you will receive hands-on therapy treatments by our friendly, caring health experts during focused and individualized sessions. It’s time to get Advantage Rehab Inc. 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

Patient Success Spotlight

“ARI does an amazing job. They are very professional and very knowledgeable about an array of medical situations. When my back went out, they were the first place I called. I would recommend them to any of my clients and do frequently.” - Michelle M. They were the first place I called!

Take Care of Your Aches and Pains Before It’s Too Late.

Attention Back Pain Sufferers!

Do You Have Difficulty Bending Or Reaching?

• Decrease your pain • Increase your strength • Increase your activity level We can help:

• Increase your flexibility • Improve your health • Get back to living

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