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| Herniated Disc |
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A herniation generally occurs due to accumulating
micro-traumas. There are four stages to a herniated disc.
1) Degeneration: chemical changes associated with aging, poor nutrition,
smoking, etc causes discs to weaken.
2) Prolapse / Bulge: the gel-like nucleus pulposus fluid in the disc pushes
into the tire-like wall (annulus fibrosis) causing slight deformation.
3) Extrusion: the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosis but
remains within the disc.
4)Sequestration: the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosis
and lies outside the disc in the spinal canal (HNP). Disc herniations can
result in low back, leg pain, numbness, and/or weakness. |
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Although best when treated early, disc herniations
can be treated successfully with physical therapy. One or a combination
of the following treatments are used when addressing disc herniations:
McKenzie Assessment / Treatment
REPEX
Traction (Anatomotor)
MedX / Neck 4-way
Stabilization strengthening |
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Physical therapy focused on restoring normal
disc dynamics coupled with isolated back strengthening has been proven effective
in treating disc herniations and preventing reoccurrences. These treatments
have been shown to be superior over other treatments in reducing pain and
returning patients to their normal work and recreational activities. |
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