Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs

When a herniated disc arises, it is best not to mess around and let the symptoms compound upon one another. Whether a herniated disc has been recently diagnosed or you have received surgical care to correct it, you should take the proper precautions to alleviate the pain and discomfort.

To understand how the Manassas physical therapy services at Mid-County Physical Therapy can help you recover, you need to be equipped with essential background knowledge. First, you should know what a herniated disc is. From there, you can learn a bit more about the usual ways in which treatment for herniated discs is administered.

Below is all of the most crucial information you might need about herniated discs and how to recover. Mid-County Physical Therapy can help you recognize a herniated disc and can guide you through the subsequent recovery process. Read on for our simple guide to herniated discs.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc can develop suddenly or slowly over a more extended period. When a tear forms in a spinal disc, the core of the disc is released. The released core is known as a herniated disc. 

Any sudden spinal injury can aggravate a spinal disc and cause an issue. However, blunt force trauma to the spine is not the only way a herniated disc can form. Poor posture, sleeping position, or incorrect exercise techniques can cause the disc to tear slowly.

The pain associated with herniated discs is somewhat inconsistent. Some people may have herniated discs but are unaware because they are asymptomatic. On the other hand, severe cases can result in debilitating pain and discomfort that can radiate down the legs. However, once the herniated disc has been identified, the recovery process is relatively similar in most cases.

Herniated Disc Physical Therapy

You can do a few simple things to recover from a herniated disc throughout the day. Beyond any medications that medical professionals can prescribe, physical therapists may recommend more practical fixes to the posture, sleeping, and exercise techniques that may have caused the issue in the first place.

If you can, try to stay active throughout the recovery period. Walking, jogging and yoga are activities that you can attempt to perform under the guidance of a physical therapist while you are recovering. Additionally, light aerobics performed while lying on your stomach are good options. Performing these exercises can help you regain lost strength and become more comfortable with movement.

Other therapies recommended to recovering patients include icing and heating the affected area or working with your physical therapist to utilize the McKenzie method or prescribed exercises to reduce or centralize symptoms. All of these practices can identify the recovering area and centralize the pain. As an extra precaution, make an effort to sit on firm chairs or couches to ensure better posture in the interim.

Mid-County Physical Therapy Can Help

If you or a loved one suspects that something may be awry in the spinal area, reach out to Mid-County Physical Therapy. Our physical therapy experts will be happy to help you in the recovery process and teach you more about the proper exercise practices.

For all of your back and muscle pain, Mid-County Physical Therapy can help. Call us today to set up an appointment and get on the road to sciatica pain relief.