What Causes A Herniated Disc?
The bones that make up the spine are cushioned by discs. These discs, which are like pillows, consist of a tough outer layer (annulus) that surrounds a softer inner layer (nucleus). These discs act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae that make up your spine. When a rupture or tear in the outer layer of a disc allows a small amount of the inner layer to escape into the spinal canal – this causes a herniated disc. This condition makes the disc press on a nerve producing pain. This pain is often mild, but sometimes can become quite severe and require treatment. Although herniated discs are most common in the lower back, they can occur elsewhere along the spine. Sometimes the herniation occurs in the neck. The area of pain depends upon what part of the spine is affected.
A strain event or injury can cause a herniated disc. Natural degeneration as you get older can mean that a minor strain or twist will cause a disc to rupture. Some people have an inherited predisposition for this condition. Poor posture and lack of movement can also cause a herniated disc. Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa offer herniated disc treatment.
What Are Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
Pinched nerves caused by a herniated disc can cause mild pain, or a real debilitating discomfort. You may experience numbness and tingling in the lower back. Since the nervous system is all connected, pressure on the spine can cause pain throughout the body. This pressure on the nerve can also be felt in the arms and/or legs. Physical Therapy helps you to improve potential causes of disc herniation and get back to moving properly.
How Is A Herniated Disc Treated?
Most often non-surgical treatment is the solution to a Herniated Disc. A mixture of manual manipulation, therapeutic exercises, Deep Tissue Laser Therapy, and other therapeutic modalities can limit and even eliminate the effects of disc herniation. The Physical Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa are able to help you address the pain associated with a herniated disc. Preparing the muscles around the spine to correct your posture is essential in pain relief. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy gets into the tissue and muscles and relieves pain associated with a herniated disc. Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and relieve discomfort are also offered. Learning what techniques work best for your body and the pain you are experiencing from a herniated disc will help to prevent future problems with your spine. Physical Therapy for a herniated disc offers a nonsurgical and drug free treatment.
Pain Relief with Physical Therapy
The licensed and certified therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa are experienced in treating the discomfort caused by a herniated disc. Our expert staff are dedicated to helping patients gain strength and mobility while relieving the pain of a herniated disc. If you are experiencing pain in your lower back or in your neck, it could be a herniated disc. If you are diagnosed with this condition, you will undoubtedly be referred for therapy. Give Elite Spine a call and speak to one of our therapists about eliminating pain through exercise and physical therapy. We can be reached at (862) 239-1768. Elite Spine accepts most insurance plans.