Herniated Disc Treatment: Physical

Herniated Disc Treatment: Physical Therapy

A herniated disc has become a very common back injury; the problem is the majority of people associate specific back pain with the injury- as one would. A ruptured nucleus populous is more common among middle-aged people, and rarely occurs with children. A herniated disc occurs through degenerative changes on the spine, which happens over time- as is often the result of over-activity and neglect for general well being of ones back area. Effective herniated disc treatments often take a little time to show results, and physical therapy is no different.
The disc can become herniated when there is too much exertion placed upon it, like bending, sitting down or standing up and other spine related injuries. If a strong force is exerted in the spine area or back, a vertebra may break or a disc can rupture. A herniated disc will not necessarily be felt instantly the minute it occurs, but rather via the irritating effect it has on the nearby nerves (Sciatic) that normally generate the symptoms. The protruding disc can irritate the sciatic nerve and its nerve roots sending through a shooting pain down to the leg area, and then foot. Other symptoms include weakness, numbness and loss of control of the bowel and bladder.
Because of the painful effects of a herniated disc, comforting methods and techniques were formulated to ease the pain and for an individual to help effectively manage the condition. Medications and treatments essentially come in two forms: surgical and non-surgical. There are also several ways in which the treatments were conducted, either conservative or aggressive- this is obviously completely dependent on the severity of the herniated disc. Such potential treatments and pain easers include prescribed medication, massage, chiropractic care and exercise/physical therapy. It is recommended to rely on your doctor or physician's advice as to which combination of methods is required for your herniated disc treatment.
Physical therapy is advised normally for most patients- as it helps to provide a platform and strengthen the weakened and damaged area. A rehabilitation program is prepared to serve persons with the condition. The program helps in calming the pain and the inflammation, therefore, improving strength and mobility. This way, you may return to your normal function and physical activities in no time.
Physical therapy for a herniated disc is intended to help you return to your normal daily activities as quickly as possible, and assist in managing and reducing the pain. Exercises work on improving coordination and strength of the abdominal and low back muscles. The goal there is to abide you in taking care of your back by practicing safe exercises and knowing how to manage symptoms when they arise. Physical therapy for herniated disc sessions may be done twice or thrice every week for approximately six weeks.
The objectives of physical therapy for herniated disc are: to re-learn proper posture, maximize stamina and energy, begin normal activities again, and learn how to handle the condition and its symptoms.
It is widely documented that spine injuries or any back-related conditions and problems might be improved by muscle strengthening exercises and therapies. A licensed physical therapist can guide you and teach you the correct techniques to minimize, if not eliminate, your anguish. There are now also many online courses which have been approved by licensed physical therapist, and can be instantly downloaded and managed within your home environment. In a physical therapy for herniated disc session, it is vital to tell your therapist or doctor anything related to your condition, where you hurt, how long have you been into the pain or thing like, when did the pain start?
When designing a physical therapy course for your herniated disc, your doctor will have to take in many aspects of your current state of health to determine the most suitable rehabilitation for your herniated disc. For example, you may be asked for posture check, range of motion (ROM), nerve tests, palpation, ergonomics, manual exam, and nerve tests.
A physical therapy for herniated disc need not be a big deal, and should be seen as a method to compliment your medication and other treatments prescribed by your doctor for your herniated disc. Through repetition and proper execution of the physical therapy you will notice a marked improvement over time, as the core muscles become stronger and able to better support your spine. Through this your herniated disc pain will diminish, and the chances of it returning will reduce dramatically.