Herniated Disc Physical Therapy in Rigby

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc (the nucleus pulposus) bulges out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer (the annulus). This condition can cause significant pain and disability, impacting your daily life. Fortunately, Pick PT in Rigby offers a non-invasive, effective treatment method to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

Understanding Herniated Discs

Diagnosing a herniated disc begins with a thorough assessment by a physical therapist. This includes examining your spine for mobility and pinpointing pain locations. Strength tests for arm and leg muscles, as well as evaluations of sensation and reflexes, help determine the extent of nerve involvement. Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs may be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the herniated disc’s location.

Herniated discs can occur in any of the three spinal sections (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), with the lumbar (lower back) being the most common. Symptoms vary depending on the disc’s location:

• Lumbar Spine:

  Low back pain, pain radiating to buttocks, legs, or feet, weakness, tingling, and numbness in the legs

• Cervical Spine:

  Neck and shoulder pain, pain radiating down the arm, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers

• Thoracic Spine:

  Numbness or tingling in the legs, pain radiating into the legs, weakness, and spasticity in the legs (rare)

A herniated disc often pinches nearby spinal nerves, causing additional symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected limbs.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy is designed to reduce pressure on spinal nerves, build strength, and increase flexibility in the muscles supporting the spine. The therapy process involves several key steps:

Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

Your physical therapist will start by identifying directional preferences, and determining which movements alleviate or worsen your symptoms. Based on this, a tailored exercise program will be developed to relieve pressure on compressed nerves.

Core Stabilization and Strengthening

Core stabilization exercises help strengthen the muscles that support your spine, providing better stability and reducing the risk of further injury. Aerobic conditioning is included to improve endurance, and stretching exercises enhance overall flexibility.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy techniques, including massage and mobilization, help improve blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. Your therapist will also teach you proper body mechanics to prevent future injuries.

Progressive Exercise Program

As you progress, your exercise regimen will intensify, focusing on rebuilding strength and flexibility. Your therapist will ensure you perform exercises correctly to avoid injury and maximize benefits.

Pain Management

In the initial stages, managing pain is crucial. Light aerobic activities like walking or swimming can help alleviate muscle spasms.

Common Exercises for Herniated Discs

Your physical therapist will prescribe exercises tailored to your specific condition. Here are four commonly recommended exercises:

1. Prone Extension

• Lie on your stomach for five minutes to alleviate leg symptoms.
• Prop yourself up on your elbows, holding for up to five minutes.
• Progress by pressing your upper body off the ground with your arms, aiming for three to five sets of 10 press-ups.

2. Dying Bug

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor.
• Contract your abdominal muscles to flatten your lower back against the ground.
• March your legs off the ground and back down one at a time.
• Alternate lifting arms overhead and back to your side, completing three sets of five repetitions daily.

3. Standing Row

• Secure a resistance band in a door and hold each end.
• With arms by your side, pull backward on the band, squeezing shoulder blades together.
• Perform three sets of 10 repetitions daily.

4. Bird Dog

• On your hands and knees, contract your stomach muscles to keep your lower back flat.
• Raise one arm over your head and extend the opposite leg behind you.
• Hold for five to 10 seconds before switching sides.
• Aim for two to three sets of 10 repetitions daily.

Post-Surgery Physical Therapy

If surgery is required to remove a herniated disc, physical therapy will focus on gentle aerobic and core strengthening exercises. Your therapist will guide you through modified movements to minimize stress on the surgical site and ensure a smooth recovery.

Preventing Herniated Discs

While it’s impossible to prevent herniated discs entirely, certain practices can reduce your risk:

• Strengthen Core Muscles: Regularly perform exercises that target the core and posture-supporting muscles.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight decreases strain on your spinal discs.
• Practice Proper Lifting Techniques: Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting heavy objects.
• Avoid High Heels: Wearing high heels can increase back pain and the risk of injuries over time.

Conclusion

A herniated disc can cause significant discomfort and impact your quality of life. However, with the right physical therapy approach, you can effectively manage symptoms and improve your overall function. At Pick PT in Rigby, our goal is to provide comprehensive care and support throughout your recovery process, helping you return to your daily activities pain-free. Schedule an appointment with us today to let us help you live life moving!