Sage-Tips

Can a herniated disc heal with physical therapy?

The majority of herniated disks do not require surgery, and respond best to physical therapy. Physical therapists design personalized treatment programs to help people with herniated disks regain normal movement, reduce pain, and get back to their regular activities.

Can an MRI show a healed herniated disc?

Can MRI detect herniated disc? Yes, an MRI scan is typically used to confirm a herniated disc diagnosis. It is used to locate exactly the point on the spine that shows herniation. This way, treatment, which in some cases may involve surgery, may be better managed to optimize patient recovery.

Can physical therapist diagnose herniated disc?

Although back or neck pain can be caused by a herniated disc, other factors may be involved. Your physical therapist can test for and rule out other possible conditions. If a herniated disc is severely pressing on a nerve, or is pressing on the spinal cord, surgery may be needed to immediately relieve that pressure.

Can physical therapy make back pain worse?

Physical therapy should be relieving pain, not causing more. It should not be causing any harm. It’s also important for people with back or neck pain in certain areas to avoid actions that will make that particular type of pain worse.

Does a herniated disc ever go back to normal?

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.

What will make my herniated disc worse?

The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.

Can a physical therapist help with a herniated disc?

After you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc by your doctor and therapy has been deemed appropriate, it is important to find a PT experienced in treating this type of condition. Typically, either an orthopedic or a neurologic physical therapist will be well versed in helping patients with this diagnosis.

How effective is physical therapy for a lumbar herniation?

In general, receiving physical therapy along with pain medication and education about your diagnosis has been found to be equally effective in treating a lumbar disc herniation when compared to surgery after three months. 4

How can physical therapy help with spinal disc irritation?

Physical therapy at Body Gears corrects mechanical, neuromuscular, and motor control deficits that are perpetuating disc irritation. With proper management through conservative care, spinal discs can heal just like any other tissue in the body. Surgery is not necessarily the best or only option.

Will movement make my disc injury worse?

Myth #5 – Movement will make my disc injury worse. With the professional guidance of a Body Gears Physical Therapist, exercise and movement can help your discs heal. Physical Therapists at Body Gears expertly facilitate disc healing by treating the mechanical, neuromuscular, and motor control causes of disc irritation.

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