What is a Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs are a common cause of back pain, but what exactly is a herniated disc?

Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. Each one of these is cushioned by a disc, that contains a jelly-like substance surrounded by a tough exterior called Annulus. A herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like substance breaks through the Annulus, causing irritation to the surrounding nerves. This can come about for a number of reasons, including injury and strain, but most commonly is caused by degeneration of the disc due to aging.

A herniated disc might not always cause symptoms, but if pressing on a nerve you can experience back pain that can radiates down to the extremities. Any disc in your spine can become herniated, but it commonly is seen in the lower back or neck. Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine.

Physical therapy is one of the primary treatments for herniated discs. The goal of physical therapy in terms of treating herniated discs is to reduce pain and inflammation. Treatment will be individual and based on your specific needs and symptoms. Your treatment may include a combination of:

• Aerobic conditions 
• Stretching and strengthening exercises 
• Ultrasound therapy to reduce pain and inflammation 
• Electrical stimulation
• Heat and ice therapy 

At Reddy Care Physical & Occupational therapy, we offer a wide array of treatment modalities to manage back pain and herniated discs. You don’t have to suffer in pain, give us a call today and get started with a consultation! 

Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
North Shore Towers: 718-224-8480
Woodbury Physical Therapy: 516-367-1111
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030
*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.