Use of Physiotherapy in Reducing the Pain Caused by Herniated Disc
Slipped discs or sometimes called prolapsed, protruding or bulging or herniated discs are among the most frequent causes of back, neck and sciatica pain. This condition develops when the soft inner substance in the intervertebral disc protrudes between the layers and squeezes the nerves. Though this often produces severe pain, numbness or tingling feeling, physiotherapy for herniated discs is a non-surgical way of healing. The basics of the condition and how herniated disc physiotherapy can aid are the first things that one must acquaint him or herself with in the process toward finding lasting solutions and rectifying the matter involving one’s spine.
Understanding Herniated Discs
The vertebral column consists of space that is subdivided by the intervertebral discs which serves as shock absorbers and flexibility. Sometimes, repetitive strain, the discs degenerate over time or by an injury and herniate, putting pressure on other nerves. This builds pressure that may cause lower back pain, pain in the leg that has a sciatica nerve, weakness, and limited physical movements.
Some of the causes of possible danger include poor posture, lifting of heavy objects, lack of exercise and high weight, and genetics. The occurrences of the herniated discs are more frequent in the lumbar region of the spine and the cervical region of the spine especially.
The Role of Herniated Disc Physiotherapy
Some of the goals of conservative management of herniated disc pain include the use of physiotherapy in both forms of treatment approaches. In contrast to medication, which might alleviate or suppress the pain, or surgery that might entail certain risks and require time for the patient’s body to heal, physiotherapy aims at the core of the issue.
With the use of hands-on techniques, encouragement of therapeutic exercises, and education regarding posture, a physiotherapist promotes nerve decompression, reduces inflammation and tones the affected muscles. It helps to develop the individual patient treatment programs to provide the maximum protection in therapy interventions.
The patients are taught by Doctor on call, Nurse on call how to move their bodies correctly, the techniques on how patients should sit, stand, or lift objects etc so as not to further harm their spine in future.
Major Techniques for Treating Herniated Disc
This is because there are various approaches to the treatment of herniated discs and the following are some of the methods that can be employed to ensure that the patients can get back to their usual activities in the comfort of their homes without much difficulty. These include:
1. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
The primary objective of herniated disc physiotherapy is to rehabilitate the muscles that provide support to the spine especially the abdominal muscles, the lumbar and the hip flexor muscles. Strengthening these areas relieves the pressure which is usually exerted on the discs and helps to align the spine better. Flexibility exercises help to enhance the muscle elasticity and increase the circulatory flow in nerves which may be compressed.
2. Manual Therapy
This ranges from craniosacral therapy, high-velocity low-amplitude thrust joint manipulation, fascial and soft tissue mobilization. Manual therapy is used to immobilize the muscles, decrease circulation and increase flexibility of the joints.
3. McKenzie Method (MDT)
The McKenzie technique is one of the common therapies when it comes to patients with sciatica due to the herniated discs. It is a set of mechanical activities with a certain set of movements and positions of the spine that should be repeated to inflict pressure on a certain area and thereby help correct the alignment of the back.
4. Traction Therapy
Spinal traction can be carried out both manually and mechanically and consists in applying force to the backbone, which causes the spine to be extended and separated, therefore freeing up nerve pressure. This is particularly useful for lumbar disc herniation and in treating this condition, here is what takes place and what doesn’t.
5. Electrotherapy
Measures such as (TENS) and ultrasound therapy may be utilized for purposes of mitigating the pain, inflammation and promoting healing.
6. Postural Correction and Ergonomics
The intensity of disc herniation symptoms may be worsened by improper sitting posture. Physiotherapists educate people on how they should stand and make suggestions on how they should adjust their workplace or their activities to have minimal strain on their back.
Read also: What Are the Best Home Exercises for Shoulder Pain?
What to Expect During Herniated Disc Treatment?
When consulting a physiotherapist for herniated disc symptoms, one is likely to initial an organogram based on their medical history, symptomatology, and a physical check-up. The physiotherapist may test your flexibility, the muscles in your limbs, your reflexes and other aspects that can help him/her create a special plan of treatment for you.
The duration of treatment sessions is between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the requirements, and an individual may attend treatment several times per week, especially in the initial stages. Further on, frequency may be reduced, instead you will do the required self management and practice repetitions at home. In this case, there is constant tracking of the progress made with changes made depending on efficiency and the patient’s recovery and initiative towards a set goal.
The clients should anticipate that the performance improvement is progressive other clients feel a relief after several sessions whereas others take several weeks, months to recover depending on the extent of the herniation and their perception of the therapy.
Advantages of Physiotherapy Over Other Treatments
There are certain benefits that are found in physiotherapy which makes it to be the preferred therapy to many.
Non-Invasive Approach
Physiotherapy is different from surgery in that it does not require cutting of the skin or tissues, the use of anesthetic and the lengthy period of recuperation. It is a safe and non-invasive form of treatment that tends to work with the body’s natural ability to heal.
Pain Management Without Drugs
Physiotherapy enables effective and safe pain relief, requires no painful injections, no nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or opioids, so the detrimental secondary effects are avoided.
Cost-Effective Solution
Physiotherapy is cheaper than surgical surgery and it is less risky as well.
Personalized Care
Every plan of treatment that is done entails a particular condition, need, and progress of the patient in physiotherapy which makes the whole process both safe and fruitful.
Long-Term Results
Physiotherapy is aimed not only at providing proper pain relief but also at mobilisation, correcting biomechanical dysfunction, improving posture, and avoiding such dysfunctions in the future as well as fostering spinal health in a broad sense.
Holistic Benefits
Physiotherapy encompasses such other goals as enhancing general fitness, movement and the general well-being of a person. It promotes the importance of the patient’s engagement in the process of regaining health and maintaining it as well.
Read More: Top Reasons Why Home Care Physiotherapy Works Better
Why Should You Opt for Physiotherapy at Home?
Modern people are very busy working, and health and convenience have always been two factors that affect the lives of individuals in the present-time society. The following are the reasons why physiotherapy in the comfort of one’s home is a viable and convenient decision for those in need: This way of physiotherapy is convenient because it does not include traveling from one health facility to another and can provide quality service within the comfort of one’s home. Mishaps and accidents will sometimes call for the physiotherapist services, they too could be post-operation or/and lifelong ailments such as arthritis or back pains, the beauty of home physiotherapy is that the physiotherapist gets to come to you.
The Benefits of Physiotherapy at Home
Convenience and Time-Saving
Apparently, it is not easy for everyone to go and come back from a physiotherapy clinic given that some of them have limited physical mobility due to old age. One of the most obvious reasons for choosing home physiotherapy is that you save time waiting in traffic, queues, and in the doctor’s waiting room as well as avoid scheduling clashes. You get the same level of professional doctor at home, nurse at home service as soon as you decide that you need it and without having to make adjustments to your personal or professional calendar.
Comfort and Familiarity
Home based rehabilitation therapy gives you more comfort and less stress which enhance the working of your body in the time of therapy. More importantly, patients prefer environments that are familiar to them and this means that in a familiar environment, patients would be more compliant with the exercises recommended to them.
Infection Control and Safety
But for the immunocompromised patient, those who avoid staying in public places of convenience in the community, home physiotherapy is safer. This is especially true in the post-COVID-19 scenario where the concept of home care or home health services Elderly Care Services in Dubai is increasingly being opted for by most of those using healthcare services Palliative Care in Dubai at Home, nurse at home dubai.
Read More: Doctor at Home vs Clinics in Dubai
3 Easy steps to have a consultation with HealthOne
It has simplified availing home physiotherapy services in UAE without much effort and stress.
Follow these simple steps to start your recovery journey:
- Schedule Your Appointment
- Consultation and Assessment
- Begin Your Home Physiotherapy Sessions
Conclusion
Herniated discs are treated using a physiological form of treatment that encompasses the symptoms and choric nature of the disc lesion. If you are suffering from back pain or sciatica, it has been noted that consulting a knowledgeable physiotherapist can result in meaningful changes in the patient’s pain, the ability to move without causing pain and general well-being.
FAQs
Is physiotherapy at home as effective as clinic-based treatment?
Yes, home physiotherapy delivers professionally driven services with the opportunity of one-on-one and relaxed atmosphere.
What type of situations require physiotherapy at home?
Some acute conditions are back problem, joint, sports medicine, stroke, post-operative physical therapy and many others.
Is HealthOne physiotherapy’s booking process easy?
Booking is easy. Contact our team or simply use the HealthOne website to book your at home appointment.
What are the possibilities to receive physiotherapy at home and are the services paid by the insurance?
Coverage varies by provider. We can just provide you support in your health insurance verification and the necessary documentation.
We are proud to introduce Dr. Maha Ammar, a dedicated General Practitioner with a strong commitment to patient care and community health. Dr. Maha Ammar earned her degree from the esteemed University of Health Sciences, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of medical practices and patient management.
With 3 years of experience in the field, Dr. Maha Ammar has cultivated a diverse skill set that allows her to address a wide range of health concerns. Her experience encompasses preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of various illnesses, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and thorough care.
Dr. Maha Ammar is passionate about empowering her patients through education and preventive measures. She believes that informed patients are better equipped to take charge of their health, and she strives to create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their concerns.
