Understanding Herniated Discs

 Your spine is made up of a series of bones, known as vertebrae, which stretch from the base of your skull down to your tailbone. Between each of these vertebrae are discs, which are round, cushion-like structures. These discs act as shock absorbers for your spine, allowing you to move, bend, and twist with ease. However, when one of these discs ruptures or leaks, it results in a condition known as a herniated disc.

Causes of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can occur from a single, excessive strain or injury. However, it’s more common for disc material to degenerate naturally as we age. Over time, the ligaments that hold the discs in place can weaken, making them more susceptible to rupture even from relatively minor movements such as bending or twisting.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc may be completely painless, or it may cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain: You might experience pain in your neck, back, arms, or legs. The location of the pain typically corresponds to the location of the herniated disc.
• Restricted Movement: You may find it difficult to bend or rotate your neck or back.
• Numbness or Tingling: This can occur in various parts of your body, including your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, hips, legs, or feet.
• Weakness: Your arms or legs may feel weak, making it challenging to perform daily activities.
• Gait Issues: You might limp when walking due to the pain or weakness in your legs.
• Increased Pain with Certain Activities: Coughing, sneezing, reaching, or sitting for prolonged periods can exacerbate the pain.
• Postural Problems: You may find it difficult to stand up straight and could feel "stuck" in a position, such as being stooped forward or leaning to one side.
• Difficulty Moving: Getting up from a chair or remaining in one position for a long time, such as sitting or standing, can become difficult.
• Morning Stiffness: Pain may be more pronounced in the morning, making it hard to start your day.

Treatment and Recovery

At Reddy Care Physical, Occupational, and Aquatic Therapy, we understand the challenges that come with a herniated disc. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that includes specific exercises and treatments tailored to your needs. These therapies will help alleviate your pain and improve your mobility, allowing you to return to your regular lifestyle and activities as quickly as possible.

If you're experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, don’t wait. Reach out to us at Reddy Care to start your journey toward recovery.

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Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy 

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.