Your spine’s intervertebral discs play an important role in keeping the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Sometimes, though, those discs can bulge outward or rupture: what’s called a herniated disc.
Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
Understanding Herniated Discs (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM) We’ll dig down to the source–and give you the guidance you need to correct the issue.
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Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM)
What Exactly is a Herniated Disc? Your spine’s intervertebral discs play an important role in keeping the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Sometimes, though, those discs can bulge outward or rupture: what’s called a herniated disc. If the damaged disc presses against a nearby nerve root, it causes symptoms. That’s why many people develop a herniated disc and do not know it–because their herniated disc doesn’t affect any nearby nerve roots. But when a herniated disc does affect a nerve root, here’s what to expect: • Burning pain • Pain that radiates into the extremities • Numbness or tingling that radiates into the extremities • Weakness The location of your symptoms can give you a general idea of the location of your herniated disc. While any disc in the spine can herniate, herniated discs typically occur in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). Cervical herniated discs will cause symptoms through your shoulder, arm, and hand. Lumbar herniated discs will cause symptoms through your lower back, buttocks, thigh, lower leg, and foot. What Causes a Herniated Disc? There are two main causes for herniated discs, and they may develop due to a blend of factors: Disc Degeneration As we get older, our intervertebral discs naturally start to dry out and become less flexible, making them more likely to tear or rupture, even with relatively minor bends or twists.
You start experiencing a sharp, burning pain in your lower back that worsens if you stay in one position too long. You’ve also noticed pain that shoots down your leg and numbness in your foot. You have no idea what’s going on, and the discomfort is starting to negatively affect your quality of life. Sound familiar? All those symptoms point to a lumbar herniated disc, a condition that affects the cushiony intervertebral discs located in your spine. Herniated discs are more common than you might think–in fact, you may have developed one without even realizing it, as they don’t always cause symptoms. But when they do cause symptoms, they can be excruciating. Fortunately, the team at Physical Therapy Specialties offers several solutions to help you resolve and prevent herniated discs. Today, we wanted to explore the basics of herniated discs, including their causes, symptoms, and effective treatment techniques. Keep reading to learn more!
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UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM)
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Injury When a younger person gets a herniated disc, it’s usually the result of an injury related to improper lifting techniques, like twisting as you lift or using your back muscles instead of your legs. How Can Physical Therapy Help Resolve a Herniated Disc? The good news is that herniated discs rarely require surgery or other invasive treatment options. Often, symptoms fade on their own. However, physical therapy can facilitate that process and–more importantly–help prevent future herniated discs! Our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation in which we review your health history and current symptoms and conduct a detailed physical exam to look for any muscular weaknesses or other issues that might have contributed to your condition. Next, we’ll create a customized treatment program blending various treatment options: Manual Therapy These hands-on techniques, which include spine mobilizations, can help reduce pain and improve spinal function. Therapeutic Exercises We’ll guide you through a customized, targeted exercise program. We’ll start with mobility exercises to regain your range of motion, helping you move without discomfort. Then, we’ll work with you to strengthen your core and back muscles to support your spine and prevent future injury. Posture and Body Mechanics We’ll show you how proper posture and movement patterns can significantly reduce pressure on the spine and prevent
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further disc issues. Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for herniated discs, degenerative discs, and lumbar facet pathology that targets the root cause of pain. Its focused acoustic waves boost healing, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve nerve pressure. By breaking down scar tissue and disrupting pain signals, it restores mobility and provides lasting relief without surgery or long recovery time.
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While herniated discs do become more likely as we age, they aren’t inevitable. In fact, you can make several simple changes right now to reduce your likelihood of developing one. FIVE SIMPLE TIPS FOR PREVENTING HERNIATED DISCS
1. Stop smoking. Smoking hastens the natural degenerative process in your intervertebral discs, meaning they dry out and lose flexibility much faster. 2. Exercise regularly. Exercise is an excellent way to manage back pain in general, and targeted core exercises (such as bridges or planks) can help strengthen the muscles that support and stabilize your spine. 3. Avoid sitting too much. Prolonged sitting can put excess strain on your spine, especially your lower back. If you have a sedentary job, get up and move around every 30-45 minutes. Perform some simple stresses or walk around the office. SUSPECT YOU’VE GOT A HERNIATED DISC? WE’RE HERE TO HELP! If you’re struggling with the symptoms of a herniated disc– whether in your neck or lower back–the Physical Therapy Specialties team can help you find long-term relief! Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.
4. Practice safe lifting techniques. Make sure you use proper lifting techniques every time! Our team can provide you with more detailed information, but here are some guidelines to get you started: •Lift from your legs, not your back. •Don’t twist while you lift. •Grab a friend if something’s too heavy for you. 5. Visit Physical Therapy Specialties. If you’re concerned about your spinal health, schedule an appointment with our team. We can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide personalized guidance on what you can do to avoid herniated discs and other spine-related issues.
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Come Back In For A Consultation Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury or want to improve your health, a doctor referral is not needed. In the state of California, you have direct access to physical therapy!
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See our physical therapists for: • Recent injury • Nagging aches and pains • Back and neck pain • Joint pain and movement problems • Walking or balance difficulties
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PATIENT SPOTLIGHT What our patients have to say!
Do you have your own PT success story? Why not share it with others and maybe you will be the inspiration someone needs to get the help they are seeking. Just scan the QR code to leave a Google Review.
“Now, I happily walk my dog, Willow, more than two miles each morning, unassisted” “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the therapists and staff who guided me through several weeks of pre- and post-op hip replacement therapy. Your care made an enormous difference. Before surgery, you helped me strengthen my hip muscles; after surgery, your
support took me from walking slowly with a cane to walking normally without assistance. Not long ago, I could not walk a mile. Now, I happily walk my dog, Willow, more than two miles each morning, unassisted, in under an hour, and in the afternoon, I walk Willow for another mile. I am deeply grateful for your efforts and dedication.” N.M.
www.pt-specialties.com COME BACK TO PT Make an appointment today with one of our therapists and get back to the activities you enjoy — pain-free! 925.417.8005 Has a New Pain Started? Have you experienced an injury?
Improve Your Health In Our Warm Water Therapy Pool!
I n c r e a s e range of motion M o v e freely P r o t e c t joints R e d u c e pain O b t a i n cardio fitness V i t a l i z e muscle strength E n h a n c e flexibility and balance
Pool Therapy and Water Classes Offered Daily. Schedule is on our website.
Exercise Essentials Try these simple exercises to help keep you loose and pain-free... Share this with a friend or family member to help keep them healthy, too!
This exercise improves mobility, strenghtens, and enhances functional movement.
LUNGES Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Step one foot backward and lower your back knee toward the floor, keeping your front knee aligned over your ankle. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position. Alternate legs with each rep. 3 Sets, 10 Reps (each leg).
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
Who do you know that needs our help?
Refer a Friend Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely
9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle
If you know someone suffering from aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Physical Therapy Specialties today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly for a Physical Therapy Consultation.
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CALL TODAY! 925.417.8005 3908 Valley Ave., Suite B Pleasanton, CA 94566 INSIDE: • Understanding Herniated Discs (And What To Do About Them) • Five Simple Tips for Preventing • Herniated Discs • Warm Water Therapy Pool! • Exercise Essentials
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