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A herniated disk occurs due to disruption in the structure of the backbone. It can occur in any part of the spine, especially in the neck and lower back. It is also known as a ruptured or bulging disk. The condition is painful but surgery is not necessary in most cases. Physiotherapy exercises can help you recover and restore the optimal functioning of the spine.
Our spine is made up of small bones (vertebrae) stacked one upon another. These vertebrae have a rubbery cushion called a disk between them.
The disk has two key parts. The centre is known as a nucleus which is surrounded by a tough rubbery exterior known as an annulus. In the case of a spinal injury, the annulus tears up causing the nucleus to leak through the tear. This ruptured disk becomes the herniated disk.
In most cases, a herniated disk occurs due to age. Our spinal muscles and disk material tend to degenerate with time. Also, the connecting ligaments surrounding the disks weaken eventually causing an increased susceptibility to the condition.
Some people are more prone to herniated disks. In that case, an excessive strain such as that of using back muscles to lift heavy objects can lead to the condition.
The symptoms vary from person to person depending on whether the disk is pressing on a nerve and its location.
The most common symptoms include:
Most people experience pain in the lower back though some may get herniated disk in the neck as well. X-rays are important to detect the condition since it is possible to have the condition without symptoms.
Physiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for herniated disks. The treatments focus on manipulating the affected parts of the backbone through exercises, heat/cold application and posture correction techniques. Physical therapists evaluate your condition through specific tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, etc. The test findings reflect the severity of the problem and the exact areas that have been damaged. They prepare a treatment plan and help you recover from the condition.
The benefits of physical therapy on herniated disks include:
The goal of physiotherapy is to relieve the condition and prevent it from recurring/ the physiotherapists work with you to help you return to your normal lifestyle efficiently. You can benefit from the treatments the most if you get the symptoms addressed as soon as possible.
Our physical therapists help build strength in your core muscles. A healthy spine, after all, is responsible for your overall health and fitness. So, they employ the best techniques to fix spinal misalignment and enable disk healing.
We also teach you about the right way to move your body during daily activities so you can prevent the condition from recurring. From improving your posture to improving your range of motion, our physical therapists take care of everything.
