PT Offers Tips for Managing Herniated Disc Pain

Herniated disc pain is one of the most debilitating ailments affecting individuals from age 30 and up. Herniated discs in the lower back and neck can irritate nearby nerves, causing individuals extreme pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and/or legs.

The pain caused by a herniated disc can be extremely uncomfortable and can negatively impact an individual’s quality of life. Fortunately, while surgery is used as a last resort, many individuals suffering from a herniated disc are able to treat and manage their pain without it.

We offer the following tips to help individuals manage pain caused by herniating discs.

• Relieve Inflammation with Hot and Cold Treatment: Applying a heating pad or ice pack to the affected area can help you relieve inflammation and reduce pain.
• Avoid Movements that Can Trigger Pain: Avoiding any physical movements or activities that can further aggravate your spine such as bending up or down or lifting heavy objects.
• Improve Your Strength and Range of Motion: Having a good range of motion can help relieve pressure around the affected area and reduce the chance of muscle imbalance.
• Improve Your Strength and Flexibility: Tight or weak muscles can worsen the pain. A licensed physical therapist can work with you to improve strength and flexibility and reduce pressure on your herniated disc and spine.
• Reduce Pressure on the Area: Avoid sitting for long periods of time, laying down on your stomach, or wearing heels to avoid placing additional stress and pressure on your back and spine.

A treatment plan that involves physical therapy can help individuals decrease pain from a herniated disc in only a matter of weeks. We invite you to contact us for more information about working with one of our physical therapists to help you manage your pain.