Understanding Herniated Discs

Are you struggling with severe lower back pain? Did you injure your back when bending or twisting? You could be suffering from a herniated disc.

A herniated disc is one of the most painful back injuries that you can experience, and it is far more common than you may be initially aware of. A herniated disc is commonly associated with severe or sharp pain starting in the lower back (or neck) radiating down the leg (or arm). It can be so intense that people struggle to do everyday activities.

Call Kinect Physiotherapy today to make an appointment. With guidance from our physical therapists, you can find solutions to your pain and get back to living the life you enjoy!

What is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine comprises a series of interlocking bones, called vertebrae, with a specialized tissue in between each vertebra called the intervertebral disc (aka disc). The structure of your spine is what allows you to move freely forward and back, rotationally and from side to side.

The discs provide cushioning and allow motion throughout the levels of the spine. The disc consists of fluid the consistency of toothpaste and moves depending on the positions and movements we perform. As we get older, the disc will start to break down and dehydrate, making it more susceptible to herniation.

A herniated disc is a condition in which the nucleus pulposus (located within the center of the disc) herniates. This herniation causes pain and maybe even more pain if the herniated disc begins to press on the adjacent spinal nerves, causing pain and inflammation.

Causes of Disc Herniation

The most common cause of disc herniation is the degenerative process. As we age, the disc is less hydrated, and it weakens. This process makes the disc more susceptible to herniation.

The second most common cause of disc herniation is trauma. The most common injuries are bending, twisting, and lifting events. It is also possible to herniate from traumas related to sports injuries or car accidents. In these cases, the herniation occurs as a result of overloading of pressure on the disc.

A recent study found that static overloading, like prolonged sitting and sedentary lifestyles, may be the mechanism in younger people without significant degeneration in their discs. The prolonged postures, especially slouched postures, lead to a shearing type of pressure that weakens the disc, making it more susceptible to herniation.

Risk factors that can increase your risk of a herniated disc include:

Smoking. It’s thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disc, causing it to break down more quickly.
Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the discs in your lower back.
Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs that require repetitive lifting, bending, and twisting also can increase your risk of a herniated disc.

Sedentary lifestyles. Prolonged sitting postures, whether in an office or vehicle, have a greater risk of back problems.
Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disc.

Treatment for Herniated Discs

If you suspect that you may have a herniated disc, contact a physical therapist right away. Attempting to engage in therapy at home could lead to further injury. It is best to have an experienced therapist assess your injury before attempting any treatment options.

Your physical therapist will perform a thorough physical examination and provide you with solutions that work based on the findings. A combination of passive and active techniques is typically employed, including:

Education

Understanding the source of your pain and managing it can help you be proactive and find a solution.

Advice to stay active

It is crucial to stay active. Your physical therapist can help you identify modifications to painful tasks and help you be safe and active.

Therapeutic interventions

A physical therapist will tailor your exercises, monitor you, and progress you based on your individual needs. Supervised exercise therapy includes:

Range of motion exercises
Proper stretch exercises
Strength exercises

Manual therapy techniques for pain relief and improved mobility
Electrical stimulation for pain relief

Contact Kinect Physiotherapy for Relief!

While preventative measures greatly decrease your risk of feeling pain or sustaining an injury, sometimes accidents happen and you may still end up with some discomfort. If you find yourself feeling persistent pain after your hike, contact Kinect Physiotherapy to find some relief. We’ll help you get back on the trail in no time!

Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!

Ready to feel your best again? Come back to Kinect Physiotherapy and let us help you achieve your wellness goals—book your appointment today!

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Have You Met Your Annual Deductible This Year?

Take charge of your health today and make the most of your insurance benefits! If you’ve already met your deductible this year or have funds left in your HSA account, you can take advantage of our remarkable opportunity at Kinect Physiotherapy. Starting now and continuing until the end of 2024, you can address your aches and pains at little to no cost. Don’t let these valuable benefits go unused.

3 Ways to Practice Gratitude

We all love Thanksgiving for the excellent food, football, and time spent with family, but truthfully, this holiday means much more. Practicing gratitude can lead to greater happiness all year long.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

If you want to implement more gratitude in your own life, take a look at these 3 tips.

1. Write thank you letters

Remember writing thank you letters? How long has it been since you wrote one? You don’t need to have a wedding, graduation, or other big life event to thank the people in your life. Try writing thank you letters to your friends and family for the little things– you’ll be surprised at how good it feels!

2. Write down what you are grateful for every day

This might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Take a few minutes each morning or evening to write down at least 3 things that you are grateful for in your life. This repeated action helps us shift into a more positive mindset and can help fight symptoms of depression and anxiety.

3. Use visual reminders

It can be hard to remember to practice gratitude. With your hectic schedule, sometimes it can feel impossible to sit down, take a moment to breathe, and reflect on your blessings. Visual cues can be a great tool for reminding us to take a beat.

Thank You for Subscribing to Kinect Physiotherapy

Staff Spotlight: Chris Walters, Physical Therapist

Chris received his PT degree from West Virginia University and has been practicing physical therapy since 1987. He has a background in Integrated Manual Therapy, Spinal Manipulation, Muscle Energy Techniques, and Trigger Point Dry Needling. He has a special interest in shoulder injuries and post-operative shoulder rehab, having experienced rotator cuff repair surgery personally.

He has had the opportunity to work with professional athletes to high school athletes as well as weekend warriors. He is also on the Sports Medicine Teams of several of the local high schools.

Our Patients Get Great Results

“
I highly recommend Kinect!! If there were 10 stars I’d rate them 10!! Stephen has worked with me for several issues over the past 2 years. He listens to his clients and zones in exactly to what needs to happen to increase mobility and lessen pain! Just amazing and so grateful! Addy and Taylor are just as amazing!”

– Karen L.

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