Herniated Disk

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The Good News About a Herniated Disk and Physical Therapy

With a herniated disk, the outer cartilage of the spinal disk has a hole or tear. The tear causes both a bulge and the jell center of the disk to leak into the spinal column. A herniated disk can also be called a ruptured disk or a slipped disk, but no matter the name, the result is pain.

A herniated disk can occur in any part of the spine but usually occurs in the lower back or the neck.

Five Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disk

A herniated disk most often affects one side of the body, but here are the top five indicators of a ruptured disk:

  • Pain in the neck or back that radiates to the arms or legs
  • Numbness and or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Limping while walking
  • Inability to remain in a position for a period of time — such as sitting at your desk or standing.

What Causes a Herniated Disk?

An injury often causes a herniated disk, but the damage may be “slow” or progress over a long period. An example of a slow injury is the negative impact of sitting at your desk for an extended time with poor posture.

A sudden injury such as a fall, an accident, or even lifting something too heavy can result in a slipped disk.

The Good News About a Herniated Disk and Physical Therapy

The good news is that surgery is not needed to recover from a herniated disk. As a matter of fact, physical therapy is the best method to promote recovery. You can expect to return to your normal lifestyle after four to eight weeks of therapy.

A Comprehensive Program at The Therapy Network

A TTN physical therapy specialist will create a custom recovery program to help you return to regular activities. What can you expect?

  • You will learn to modify activity until you recover
  • Exercises to improve motion and flexibility to reduce pain
  • A stretching program that also includes walking
  • Aquatic Therapy to relieve pain and improve flexibility
  • An at-home program to continue as you return to your regular activities

Appointments Available Today

Contact The Therapy Network to learn the good news about a herniated disk and physical therapy. The Therapy Network has appointments available today at any of our six locations in coastal Virginia to include Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.