Any health condition can be a sore point in an individual’s life. However, it becomes incredibly distressing when your mobility is affected. Whether it starts with lower back pain that extends to stiffness and restricted movement, the discomfort and fear are very real. Your stress can reach its peak when you can no longer walk properly. But what is the underlying cause of these unpleasant physical experiences and the resulting mental trauma? It could be due to a herniated disc. The vertebrate bones in the spine are supported by layers of cartilage that protect them from shock and friction. With age, the cartilage support becomes dry and loses flexibility. It causes them to bulge or tear, which is referred to as a herniated disc. The condition can manifest as various symptoms.

Chiropractor adjusting a woman's back

Fortunately, this painful health condition can improve with physiotherapy in Brampton. This standard treatment process can eliminate the need for surgery. In this context, here is a glimpse of how this condition can appear and how physiotherapists typically approach it.

Symptoms and causes of Herniated discs

Spinal injury can trigger bulginess in the disc. Sometimes, these occur suddenly; imagine lifting something in an awkward position. Due to pressure on the spine, a herniated disc can occur. Poor standing or sitting posture can also be blamed for straining the spinal disc and leading to herniation. Another factor is aging. Regardless of the underlying reason, herniated disc often affects the lower back and, in rare cases, the neck. The pain can spread to your legs if it occurs in the lower back. However, pain from the neck area can radiate to the arms. You can struggle with this pain more in the morning. Due to this, you may start to hunch or find it difficult to walk or rise from a chair. Affected parts like feet, legs, hips, hands, shoulders, and neck can develop tingling or numbing sensations.

Physiotherapy approach for herniated discs

When you visit a reputable Brampton physiotherapy clinic, a physiotherapist can tailor a rehabilitation program based on your specific condition. The expert may begin with pain management, which can include manual therapy, movement modifications, and pain relief techniques. Restoring normal mobility will also be a focus, with a gentle program of simple at-home stretches often recommended. During physiotherapy sessions, therapists detect and work on weak areas, such as core muscles or posture problems. They guide you on these aspects for overall improvement. Since injuries reduce muscle endurance, they can help restore the pre-herniated disc levels. They implement the necessary steps that enable you to resume your activities. It is achieved by setting activity goals according to the timeline and providing appropriate movement guidance.

After suffering once, you can fear developing this issue again. However, therapists can educate you about how to avoid such a risk. You can learn appropriate lifting techniques or exercises to continue building your strength even after the sessions. 

This rehabilitation program begins with a comprehensive physical evaluation of a patient’s condition. Therapists study your medical records, symptoms, and the source of herniated discs to customize a suitable recovery plan. It’s a gradual process but highly effective. Adhering to the recommended procedures is essential to improve mobility and pain.