A herniated disc can be a very painful condition. It can affect your mobility and your overall quality of life. Herniated discs affect up to 2% of people every year. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. However, many people find relief through noninvasive treatment options, including physical therapy. If you believe you may have a herniated disc, it is important to consult a health care professional to determine if physical therapy may be a suitable treatment option for you. 

What is a herniated disc?

The spine is a complex and vital part of the human body. It helps provide structural support for the body, allows for flexibility and movement, and serves as an attachment point. It is made up of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, facet joints, ligaments and muscles. 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal (intervertebral) disc protrudes through the tough outer layer. This condition can put pressure on nearby nerves. This pressure can lead to pain, weakness, and numbness in the back, neck, arms, and even legs depending on the location of the herniated disc. 

How can physical therapy help a herniated disc?

Physical therapy can play a crucial role in helping to manage and rehabilitate herniated discs. The intention of physical therapy is to reduce pain you are experiencing, improve your mobility, strengthen your muscles and help prevent future recurrences. Physical therapists can create customized treatment plans that are based on your specific needs and symptoms. This will be to help ensure that you receive the best treatment possible to help your recovery and management.

Beneficial herniated disc physical therapy techniques

There are a multitude of physical therapy treatment options. Some physical therapy treatments and techniques are better suited to helping herniated discs than others. Beneficial treatments and techniques can include:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on manipulation of the affected area by a licensed physical therapist. Manual therapy techniques include soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, both of which can help alleviate pain and improve your spinal alignment. They can also help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
• Therapeutic exercises — Physical therapists may prescribe certain therapeutic exercises for you to complete with the intention of helping your herniated disc. These target exercises are designed to help strengthen the muscles that support your spine and help improve flexibility. To best help herniated discs, exercises that emphasize your core strength and stability are important. These core strengthening exercises can include pelvic tilts, bridging exercises, cat-cow stretches, and McKenzie Method® stretches. The goal of these exercises is to help relieve pressure on your herniated disc. This can help promote better healing.
• Traction therapy — Traction therapy involves the use of a mechanical device that helps to gently stretch the spine. This stretching helps to create space between the vertebrae and can help reduce pressure on the herniated disc, providing pain relief. Traction therapy can be used manually or with the assistance of specialized equipment.
• Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation through a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit can be used to help pain from a herniated disc. This is done through a low-level electrical current that stimulates the nerves around the affected area. This current can help block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing pain relief. It can also help boost the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — IASTM is a manual therapy technique used by physical therapists that can help secondary issues related to a herniated disc. It can help provide relief for muscle tightness through the breakdown of scar tissue.
• Dry needling — Like IASTM, dry needling can be used to help treat secondary issues exacerbated by a herniated disc. Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles by a certified physical therapist. These needles are placed in trigger points that can help reduce muscle spasms and pain. 

These treatment options, along with education on proper body mechanics, posture and some lifestyle modifications, can help you have a noninvasive and effective approach to help manage the pain and limitations you are experiencing from a herniated disc. Your physical therapist’s approach will depend on your unique symptoms and needs. Working with a physical therapist can help lead to significant improvements in pain relief, mobility and your overall quality of life. 

Continuum Wellness can treat your herniated disc 

If a herniated disc is affecting your quality of life, Continuum Wellness is committed to helping you take the first step in your journey toward healing and recovery. Our expert physical therapists can design a customized treatment plan that can help you find pain relief, improve your mobility and help you reclaim your quality of life. We use a variety of techniques that can help address the underlying issue of your herniated disc as well as any secondary issues it may be triggering. Physical therapy can empower you to return to the activities you love.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.