What To Expect With Physiotherapy If You Experience A Herniated Disc

A bulging/herniated disc is a common condition that can affect anyone. It occurs when the semiliquid rubbery cushion or gel-like center of an intervertebral disc squeezes through a defect in the external circle of cartilage, creating a bulge or herniation. What, precisely, is a bulging/herniated disc? Why does it occur, let’s find out?

Bulging discs are more likely to occur as we age because our discs lose moisture as we grow older. They can likewise be caused by sudden motions such as tossing or lifting heavy objects, twisting rapidly, or flexing your back. If you’ve been suffering from back pain and are worried that you might have a herniated disc, this brief article will help you learn about what to expect from physiotherapy for a herniated disc in Collingwood and how it can help reduce your discomfort and improve your life experience.

What Common Symptoms to Expect From a Bulging/Herniated Disc?

If you are suffering from one or more of the following problems, it’s important to visit your doctor to eliminate any other causes:

1. Sharp pain that shoots down your leg or in your back (This pain is typically worse when you are sitting or bending forward)
2. Tingling, feeling numb, or weakness in the legs
3. A feeling of heaviness or tightness in your back
4. Spontaneous discomfort or pain in the back or legs

 Keep note that back pain can also be caused by other factors, including:

• Poor posture
• Progressive muscle weakness
• Muscle sprains
• Other progressive conditions
• Motor vehicle injuries
• Joint issues
• Bone spurs
• Sporting activities 
• Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
• Sciatic nerve pain
• Connective tissue injuries
• Soft tissue problems
• Repetitive activities
• Weak unused muscles
• Spinal cord injuries
• Other spinal health issues

Your physician can assess your problem and validate whether you have a bulging/herniated disc. Your physician might order an MRI or CT scan to take a better look at your spinal column and confirm the diagnosis. 

Physiotherapy For A Bulging/Herniated Disc

A physical therapist will start by gathering information about your signs and symptoms and conducting an extensive evaluation of your spinal column and surrounding muscles. They will also ask about your general wellbeing, any other symptoms you may be suffering from, and your daily life.

Though the specific physio plan will differ depending on the seriousness of your condition, many herniated discs will require a mixture of lumbar range of motion and core strength exercises.  Physiotherapy treatments are usually 2 times weekly and last around 30-45 min each.

How Does Physiotherapy Help With a Bulging/Herniated Disc?

Physiotherapy can provide pain relief, restore proper body mechanics, and help speed recovery by integrating both hands-on treatment and exercise therapy. A hands-on therapy treatment will concentrate on your discomfort and include techniques such as joint mobilization or spinal traction.  Treatment  will concentrate on pain management, strengthening your muscles, improving your posture, and minimizing your impairment. Depending upon your condition, your physiotherapist might recommend a detailed treatment plan consisting of one or a combo of the following therapies:

Muscle-strengthening movements. These movements serve to strengthen your core, back, and leg muscles and improve your posture. They will also help you to learn to lift properly. 

Core stabilizing and breathing workouts. These exercises support your core muscles during daily activities and strengthen your back, abdominal area, and pelvic muscles.

Specifically-targeted workouts. These are exercises that are specifically created to help you improve your condition. They will be tailored to your condition and may include strengthening, stretching, or both.

Strengthening Exercises

Exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding your spinal column and lower abdomen are a fundamental part of physiotherapy for a bulging/herniated disc. They can help to enhance your posture and decrease your discomfort. Your physiotherapist should provide custom strengthening exercises for your unique needs.

A few other frequently used building-up exercises are:

Swimming: Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that’s low-risk for individuals with back pain. Swimming can improve your mobility and range of motion while supplying a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

Pilates: Pilates is an exercise that concentrates on increasing flexibility and strengthening the core muscles. It is an exceptional workout to enhance posture and lower back pain alleviation.

Yoga: Yoga is another excellent low-impact workout that can be incredibly helpful for back pain reduction. It can enhance mobility and decrease discomfort and tightness in your back.

Stretching Workouts

When you have a herniated disc, extension of your spine usually reduces your discomfort. 

Standing Extensions: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Put the front of your thighs against a table.  Lean backwards – as far as you can, pain free.  Hold this position for 2 seconds, stand back up, and then repeat. 

Prone Extensions: Lie on your tummy, with your hands on the floor by your shoulders. Keeping your hips down, press up with your hands so you are arching or extending your back.  Hold 2 sec, repeat 10x pain free 

Final Thoughts

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment intervention for bulging/herniated discs. A mixture of manual therapy and exercises can aid in reducing your discomfort and speed up your healing.

At Maximum by Body ‘n Balance Physio, our team of physiotherapists might suggest one or a mixture of the following treatments: muscle-strengthening workouts, core stabilization, breathing workouts,, and specifically-targeted exercises, depending on your disorder.

Give us a call today and we can start your journey toward successful recovery. Proudly serving Collingwood and surrounding areas. Now accepting new patients!