Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. These bones are cushioned by discs, they act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae. These discs are comprised of a soft jelly-like interior surrounded by a tough outer layer called annulus. A herniated disc occurs when the jelly like center breaks through the annulus because of a tear or rupture and irritates the surrounding nerves.
A herniated disc can occur for a number of reasons, discs that herniate are usually in the early stages of deterioration. Excessive strain or injury can also cause a disc to herniate. Symptoms will vary, some people may not even experience any symptoms at all. If the herniated disc is pressing on a nerve, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the area being affected. It is a common cause of back pain. Most cases of sciatica are caused by a herniated disc.
Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs don’t require surgery. The primary treatment for herniated discs is physical therapy. When dealing with a herniated disc, the goal of the physical therapist is to reduce pain and inflammation and improve the quality of life of their patient. They will develop a personalized treatment based on your symptoms and the specifics of your case. They may use any combination of massage therapy, ultrasound technology, and stretching and strengthening exercises.
Our team at Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy can work with you and develop a program to reduce your discomfort and get you back to doing the things you love. Call us today to schedule a consultation to see how we can help you!
