What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc means you have a damaged intervertebral disc. Your spine is made up of a series of bones each cushioned by an intervertebral disc.
Your intervertebral disc is made up of a tough exterior, known as the annulus, and a soft gel-like center, known as the nucleus.
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center pushes through a tear in the tough exterior. The herniation may occur after an acute injury or from the degenerative changes that affect these discs as you get older.
You can develop a herniated disc in any part of your spine, but they most often occur in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
It’s possible to have a herniated disc and not have any symptoms. Or, your symptoms may include a dull, aching sensation in your neck or lower back.
However, if your herniated disc pinches, compresses, or irritates your spinal nerve or spinal cord, you may experience:
- Burning, tingling, or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Electric shock-like sensations
- Ongoing neck or back pain
- Pain that radiates into your arms or legs
A herniated disc may also cause sciatica, which leads to pain that radiates down your leg on one side of your body.
What happens during a herniated disc evaluation?
When you visit Crom Rehabilitation for help with your herniated disc, the team conducts a comprehensive initial evaluation to fully understand your health needs and functional goals.
During your initial assessment, your physical therapist asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history. They also ask about your daily routine and how your herniated disc affects your physical health.
Your physical therapist performs an exam, paying close attention to the structure and function of your spine. They also review your medical records, including imaging studies.
Based on the information gathered during your assessment, your physical therapist develops your functional goals and personalized program.
How can physical therapy help my herniated disc?
Physical therapy is one of the primary treatments for a herniated disc. The Crom Rehabilitation team designs plans to ease your pain, improve spinal mobility, and prevent a recurrence.
Your physical therapy plan at Crom Rehabilitation may include:
- In-office or virtual physical therapy
- Manual therapy
- Home exercise program
- Aquatic therapy
- Dry needling
- Posture therapy
Crom Rehabilitation also provides a special neck physical therapy service for those with a herniated disc, causing chronic neck pain.
For help with your herniated disc, call Crom Rehabilitation or book an appointment online.
We offer physical therapy for ACL repairs, rotator cuff repairs, joint replacements, and other orthopedic surgeries. We also treat neck and low back pain and more. Call to book your appointment today.
