Physical therapy disc hernia
Physical therapy is excellent for the treatment of herniated discs and can be performed with stretching and strengthening exercises, electronic equipment, using a warm compress.Other techniques that may be useful include Pilates, hydrotherapy, RPG and spinal traction, for example.
- Sessions can be done every day on weekends.
- When the person is in a lot of pain.
- But they can only be done once or twice a week when pain only occurs in certain situations.
- Such as when weight is lowered or lifted from the ground.
- For example.
Physical therapy treatment for herniated discs has the following benefits:
Herniated discs occur when the disc between the vertebrae of the spine is damaged and can cause compression of the nerve root, for example, usually before discovering the hernia, about 10 years before there is some pain in the spine.the most affected are the cervical and lumbar regions.
As part of physical therapy, various resources can be used to combat pain and restore the balance and well-being of the person with a herniated disk.Treatment options for people suffering from severe pain include:
Devices such as ultrasound, galvanic current, TENS and laser can be used as anti-inflammatory drugs that help relieve symptoms, reduce pain and discomfort of the spine, should be applied according to the need presented by the person and their duration of action.varies between 8 and 25 minutes, for each treatment area.
This is another way to relieve back pain and prepare the body for a massage, as it increases blood circulation and the arrival of more nutrients into tissues.Heat can be used with hot bags or towels or infrared light, for example, for about 20 minutes.
Stretching exercises are indicated from the beginning of physiotherapy sessions, being important to increase flexibility, normalize muscle tone and rearrange muscle fibers and are also excellent for improving body posture on a day-to-day life.
They are indicated when the person does not feel acute pain and help strengthen weak or unbalanced muscle groups. There are several types of exercises that can be used, such as comprehensive postural rehabilitation, clinical pilates and hydrotherapy, for example, the latter 2 can also be used as physical activity.
RPG exercises are monotonous, but of great help, being one of the best options to avoid having to undergo herniated disc surgery, Pilates exercises are especially indicated because they strengthen small muscles, but it is very important that they maintain the right back and the strength of the abdomen, which also protects the spine.Hydrotherapy is done inside the pool, guided by a physical therapist and consists of exercises involving running in the water and even swimming.
In this video, I indicate some exercises for sciatica, which are indicated in case of herniated disk:
This is a type of treatment that can be performed manually, where the physical therapist firmly holds the person’s neck, lying on a stretcher, keeping the spine aligned and pulling the head vertically, to promote a release of tension between the vertebrae, allowing greater hydration of the vertebral disc and sometimes its return to the original location. Column traction can also be performed on specific equipment that works the same way, pulling the neck in one direction and the lumbar in the opposite direction, keeping the traction for 20 to 30 seconds, for approximately 5 to 10 repetitions, for example.
Handling techniques can be practiced in the column and are used to reduce pressure on the spine, realign all body structures and often cause a feeling of greater lightness and ease of movement.This technique is especially suitable when the person has difficulty performing certain movements because he or she feels “stagnant”.
Each physiotherapy session must be individualized and last approximately 1 hour, but in addition some exercises should also be performed at home, at the indication of the physical therapist.
See other treatment options for herniated disk
The person who has a cervical or lumbar hernia needs care that can help relieve pain, such as:
See these and other tips in the video below:
Exercises such as jumping the comba or jumping classes in the gym are not the most recommended as they can favor disc compression, triggering a new image of pain, aquatic exercises, such as aquagym, are more suitable because in water the body is lighter, not having at most impact on the joints and spine.