Physical Therapy is the Primary Treatment for Herniated Discs

Back pain, a stiff neck, shoulder, and arm pain, could all be the result of a pinched nerve. Nerves in your spine and different areas of your body can become compressed causing pain, tingling, and numbness. 

Herniated discs are a common cause of pinched nerves and back pain.  Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra is cushioned by a disc that contains a soft jelly-like center that’s protected by a tough exterior. A herniated disc is caused by the jelly-like center of the disc bulging out through the tough exterior and irritating the surrounding nerves. This can happen for a number of reasons, injury, degeneration, or strain.  Disc degeneration from aging is the most common cause.

Herniated discs might not always have symptoms of their own but because of the pressure that can be exerted on the surrounding nerves, you can experience back pain that can radiate to the extremities. It is most often seen in the lumbar or cervical region.  Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. 

Herniated discs sometimes require surgery but usually can be treated without surgical intervention. Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs, but physical therapy is the primary treatment for herniated discs.  The goal of physical therapy in treating your herniated disc is to reduce the pain and inflammation.  This is accomplished through different treatment modalities like ultrasound, heat and ice therapy, and different stretching and strengthening exercises. Massage therapy can also be used to help relieve tension. After a thorough examination, your therapist will put together a program tailored to your symptoms and needs. 

Here at Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we have an excellent team of therapists that can get you out of pain and back to doing the things you love. 

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030

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.