A herniated disc, also known as a bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc, is an injury of the spine. It is one of the most common causes of neck, back, and leg pain. There are a series of bones in your spine that reside from the base of your skull to your tailbone. Between each of these bones, or vertebrae, there are round cushions called discs, which act as buffers between the bones and allow bending and moving with ease. A herniated disc occurs when one of these discs tears or leaks. This can be a painful experience, but physical therapy for back pain in Lenox Hill can help. 

What Causes a Herniated Disc? 

There are many causes of this injury. When the disc pushes out, bugles, or ruptures, it begins to take up more room than it should, leaving you in uncomfortable pain. 

One cause may be wear and tear on the spine. Daily wear and tear, also known as degeneration, results in spinal pain. The intervertebral discs exist to absorb shock from daily movements like walking, twisting, and bending. Since the discs in our back are constantly working to help us move, they can become worn out over time. 

A herniated disc can also come about due to an injury. Things like sudden jerking movements can put too much pressure on a disc and cause it to herniate. Other things like car accidents or lifting heavy objects can play a part in herniating a disc. Physical therapy for back pain in Lenox Hill is available to work with you to strengthen your back and relieve persistent pain. 

Physical Therapy for back pain in Lenox Hill

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc 

Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine but are most common in the lower back and neck. If the herniation is minimal or isn’t pressing on a nerve, you may not experience any symptoms. But for those who have herniations that affect nerves, pain can be severe. Physical therapy for back pain in Lenox Hill can relieve painful symptoms in your back. Signs and symptoms of a herniated disc include: 

  • Dull aches on one side of the body 
  • Pain coughing, sneezing or moving in certain positions 
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations 
  • Muscle weakness or spasms 
  • Balance issues 
  • Slow reflexes 
  • Poor posture 
  • Difficulty getting up from sitting 
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control 
  • Inability to remain in one position for extended periods of time 

How to Treat a Herniated Disc 

Herniated discs can be treated in several ways. Conservative treatment, or modifying activities to avoid movement that causes pain, and taking pain medication, can relieve many people’s symptoms relatively quickly. 

Medications can be used to relieve pain. Over-the-counter medications may be recommended by your doctor, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. Cortisone injections can be injected into the area around the spinal nerves by your doctor to help a herniated disc. You may be prescribed muscle relaxers if you have muscle spasms as well. If other medication does not relieve your pain, doctors might consider prescribing short-term use of opioids, such as codeine or an oxycodone-acetaminophen combination. Few people with herniated discs eventually need surgery. 

One of the best ways to treat a herniated disc is physical therapy. Physical therapy for back pain in Lenox Hill can show you positions and exercises to minimize your pain. An exercise program may be recommended to achieve optimal results. Active treatments done in physical therapy can address flexibility, posture, strength, stability, and joint movement for your herniated disc injury. A physical therapist will teach you how to condition and strengthen your back to help prevent future pain. 

Physical Therapy for Back Pain in Lenox Hill 

If you are struggling with a herniated disc, H&D Physical Therapy is here to help. Since 1997, our team has been committed to providing state-of-the-art, personalized care for all patients. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!