The risks of having a herniated discĪ herniated disc is often the result of aging and known as disc degeneration. X-rays can reveal not only the abnormal shape of a herniated disc but also whether the herniation is pinching a nerve. Ultimately, the most accurate way to confirm a herniated disc is through medical imaging.

If your symptoms seem to be soothed by massage, heat, or cold, you’re more likely to have a strained muscle or tendon than a herniated disc.

Back pain that seems to grow worse when you sneeze, cough, stand up or sit down.

Pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in a limb (the result of a herniated disc pressing against nerve roots.

An inability to walk more than a few steps without pain.

Symptoms that started shortly after an accident, extreme twisting of the neck or back, or an attempt to lift a heavy object.

Symptoms that began after you gained a lot of weight (since obesity is a risk factor for disc problems).

Herniated discs don’t always cause symptoms, but the symptoms that they do cause can help you troubleshoot the nature of your problem. An MRI creates images of the body’s internal structures and can also confirm the location of a herniated disc. Imaging tests may be ordered to diagnose the cause of your pain.Ī CT scan shows cross-sectional images of the spinal column and can pinpoint a herniated disc. Your doctor can perform a neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, walking ability, and the ability to feel touch. Your doctor can diagnose a herniated disc with a physical exam. How do I know if I have a herniated disc? Exercises for muscle strengthening will create a strong structural support of the back. Flexibility and stretching exercises will enhance movement. Core strengthening exercises will strengthen the back muscles for better support. The focus is on flexibility, core stability and muscle strength. Deep tissue massage stimulates an increase in oxygen and nutrients for pain relief and healing.Ī physical therapist will work with you to develop an active treatment program if you have a herniated disc. TENS uses tiny electric currents to trigger endorphins and reduces pain. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and muscle spasm due to a herniated disc.

Heat therapy increases blood flow to the target area and enhances healing.

Passive treatments by a physical therapist include hot and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and deep tissue massage. There are a variety of physical therapy techniques, including passive and active treatments. Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery from a herniated disc. How can physical therapy help my herniated disc? Contact Back to Work Physical Therapy today to learn more. How can you tell for sure whether you have this specific problem? If you do have a herniated disc, what can you do about it? These questions don’t have to add confusion and frustration to your physical woes.įortunately, if your back pain is caused by a herniated disc, physical therapy can help. Strange neck pains, back pains, or extremity symptoms can indicate a variety of potential problems – including one or more herniated discs. A spinal disc has a soft jellylike interior with a tougher exterior. Is a Herniated Disc the Root of Your Back Pain?Ī herniated disc refers to an issue with one of the rubbery cushions that are in between the vertebrae.

Herniated disk xray images