Herniated disc
A herniated disc may be caused by wear and tear of the disc. Sometimes an injury to the spine can cause a herniated disc. This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to break open, bulge or break into pieces.
Lumbar sprain
Muscle strains and lumbar sprains are the most common causes of low back pain. A low back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are unusually stretched or torn. A lumbar sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold bones together, are torn from their attachments.
Lumbar radiculitis
Lumbar radiculitis is an inflammation or irritation of a nerve root in the lower, or lumbar, region of the spine. There is always some degree of pain present. This pain is a result of pressure on the nerve root where it connects to the spinal column. The most common form of lumbar radiculitis is sciatica.
A herniated disc occurs in one of the rubbery cushions that sit between the bones of the vertebrae that stack to make up your spine. One is often a result of gradual, age-related wear and tear known as disc degeneration. They normally occur in the lower back but can also appear in the neck. The disc can press on the nerves in your spine causing pain, weakness, and numbness throughout your body. Our experts recommend Low Back Physical Therapy in NYC to help your pain.
How is a Herniated Disc Treated?
There are a few different ways that a herniated disc can be treated. These include:
- Rest – This should help reduce the swelling and give your back the time it needs to heal. Bed rest is fine, but do not stay off your feet for more than one or two days to make sure your joints and muscles do not stiffen up.
- Medications – Over the counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen can relieve the pain and the swelling. If these medications do not work, your doctor may prescribe you with stronger medication for your back pain.
- Low Back Physical Therapy in NYC– The exercises involved in physical therapy will help strengthen the muscles that support your back. Physical therapy would involve a series of stretches, aerobic exercises, massages, ice and heat, and electrical muscle stimulation.
- Surgery – Few people with herniated discs eventually would need surgery, however, if your symptoms have not improved after six weeks, your doctor may recommend surgery.
All are ways to treat your herniated disc, but none of them see results like physical therapy. It is non-invasive and it allows you to strengthen your muscles to prevent another injury from taking place later on. Low Back Physical Therapy in NYC can help your back pain and get you on the path to feeling better than ever.
First Health Physical Therapy – Low Back Physical Therapy in NYC
If you are in need of Low Back Physical Therapy in NYC for your back pain, come visit First Health Physical Therapy. We provide orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy that focuses on improving your functional performance. We want to help you get back to feeling your best and improve your quality of life. For more information about us, visit us online or call 212.421.1740.