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.
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Understanding Herniated Discs How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Pain
The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body H E A L T H & F I T N E S S
Understanding Herniated Discs How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Pain
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 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 I S A HERNIATED DI SC? 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.
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 THI S HAPPEN? The vertebrae in the spine are stacked closely together, with only a small amount of space for the discs in between each bone.
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3. If further assessment is warranted, your therapist
1. Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist.
2. Your therapist will tell you the possible causes of your pain as well as precautions you can take at home.
might recommend you come in for an appointment.
Help For Herniated Disc Pain
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 DI SCS 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 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.
If you are suffering from herniated disc pain, relief is possible! Contact King Physical Therapy today to start your journey towards a pain-free life! Call us at (304) 262-8161 or visit us online at kingphysicaltherapy.com.
Exercise Essentials
Patient Success Spotlight “This is my second time having to call on King PT to come to my rescue. I was having trouble with my lower back and leg pain. Becca & Karla worked with me and were able to get me back to feeling human again. When you are in need of PT, there is no other place to come than King PT. Thank you!!” — Sandy S.
Exercises copyright of
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FORWARD BEND | LONG SITTING (Helps Relieve Lower Back Pain) Sit with legs straight out and lower back tall. Bend forward keeping lower back tall to feel a stretch in the back of your thighs. This helps with lower back pain. Hold for 20 counts and repeat as needed.
Exercise & Pain Relief If you have back or joint pain, there are probably some times when all you want to do is lie in bed all day. It’s tempting, but it might make the problem worse. Doctors used to prescribe bed rest for back pain and other chronic pain conditions, but studies have found that people who exercise and stay flexible manage their pain much better than those who don’t. If you do have a chronic pain condition like back pain or hip, knee, or shoulder problems, you shouldn’t begin an exercise program without guidance. Check with your physical therapist first. They have the expertise to help you develop an individualized exercise program. Have a professional such as a physical therapist show you what is appropriate to do given your condition. There are several options for low-impact workouts that can strengthen your body while being gentle on your joints. Here are some of our favorites for alleviating pain:
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5. Pilates
1. Walking
6. Stretching
2. Swimming
7. Aerobics
3. Yoga
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8. Water aerobics
4. Tai Chi
Exercises don’t have to be high-impact to be a benefit to your body! For additional information on an exercise plan that would be best for you, give us a call today! Our physical therapists can help make a unique fitness plan tailored to your individual needs!
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Healthy Recipe Grilled Apricot Barley
Ingredients • 1½ cups dry barley • 2/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1 medium red onion, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch slices • 4 cups fresh baby kale • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill • Sea salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1½ lb. fresh apricots, halved & pitted (about 12)
Instructions
1) In a medium saucepan, combine barley and 8 cups of water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 45 to 55 minutes, or until tender and liquid is absorbed. 2) Meanwhile, in a bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. 3) Brush apricot halves and onion slices with 4 tbsp. of the vinaigrette. Grill, uncovered, over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes or until onion is slightly charred, turning and brushing with additional vinaigrette as needed. Transfer to a cutting board; chop apricots and onion. 4) In a bowl, combine hot cooked barley, apricots, onion, and baby kale. Add remaining vinaigrette; toss to coat. Top with dill. Serve warm.
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