Relieving Pain From A Herniated Disc

Are you experiencing numbness, weakness, sharp or achy pain in your arms, legs, shoulders or buttocks? If yes, this may be an indicator of a herniated disc in your neck or lower back. A disc is the rubbery cushion that sits between the bones that stack to make your spine. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is when the material inside the disc pushes outwards, irritating the nerve. 

Herniated discs don’t always cause symptoms. Herniated disc symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the location and whether or not the disc is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord. A herniated disc may develop from a number of causes, including strains or injuries, but degeneration of the disc that occurs as you get older is the most common cause of a herniated disc.

Physical therapy is one of the primary treatments for a herniated disc. Physical therapy helps to relieve pain and speed up the recovery process. Common physical therapy treatment options for relieving herniated disc pain may include:

• Hot and Cold Applications - Applying a heating pad or ice pack to the affected area helps to relieve pain and decrease inflammation. Your physical therapist may try heat or ice for 15-20 minutes at a time.

• Exercise - There are stretching and strengthening exercises that help relieve pain associated with herniated discs. Stretching and strengthening the spinal muscles helps to reduce the pressure on the disc causing less pain.

• Ultrasound Therapy - Your physical therapist may recommend ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound therapy helps to reduce deep muscle pain and inflammation.

• Aquatic Therapy - Aqua therapy can decrease the stress placed on your spine because of the buoyancy provided by the water. Warm water helps to loosen muscles and increase blood supply to sore muscles and joints.

• Massage Therapy  - Deep tissue massage helps to apply pressure to relieve deep muscle tension and spasms. 

Our experienced team at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational and Aquatic Therapy can develop a unique program to reduce the discomfort caused by your herniated disc and help get you back to doing the things you love. For an appointment, contact the office by phone or online today.

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021   Tel. (516) 829-0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420-2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367-1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243-0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005   Tel. (516) 344-0030

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224-8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992-2282

Sources: Reddycare, Mayoclinic

Links: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy