The Healing Touch of Physical Therapy for Herniated Cervical Discs
Are you dealing with intense neck pain? Does it ever seem to travel down your arms? You may have developed a herniated disc in your cervical spine. Fortunately, physical therapy for herniated cervical discs can offer a safe and effective way to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
When most people hear the term “herniated disc,” they immediately think of lower back pain. And this is fair: herniated discs commonly develop in the lumbar spine. However, it’s not uncommon for them to develop in your cervical spine–that is, your neck.
No matter where they occur, a herniated disc develops when the soft, cushiony material between your vertebrae ruptures or bulges and irritates a nearby nerve. This is why herniated discs often cause sharp, shooting pain in the extremities. In the case of a cervical herniated disc, they can cause radiating pain in your shoulders, arms, and hands.
The team at UNIQ Physical Therapy has extensive experience treating herniated discs. We’ll create a customized program to help resolve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. We want to explore what physical therapy for herniated cervical discs looks like–that way, you know what to expect when you come into our (town) clinic.
Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Herniated Cervical Discs
It’s important to know a bit more about cervical herniated discs to understand why physical therapy helps address this condition.
The Signs and Symptoms of a Herniated Cervical Disc
How do you know if it’s a herniated disc and not another cause of neck pain, such as a soft tissue injury? Look for these signs:
- Neck pain that’s either localized or radiates to the shoulders and arms. You might also experience headaches.
- Numbness or tingling that occurs in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands
- A decrease in strength in your arms or hands
- Difficulty turning your head or bending your neck
That said, not all herniated discs necessarily cause symptoms. Generally, symptoms only develop when the disc herniation irritates one of the nearby nerve roots.
What Causes a Herniated Cervical Disc?
Several factors can contribute to your intervertebral discs bulging or rupturing, such as the following:
Age-Related Decline
- The spinal discs dry out over time, making them more likely to herniate.
Repetitive Movements
- Jobs or activities that involve repetitive neck motions can contribute to disc herniation.
Injuries
- Sudden trauma, such as from a fall or car accident, can lead to a herniated disc.
How Physical Therapy Helps Address Herniated Cervical Discs
The good news is that you can generally resolve a herniated disc through physical therapy alone. The UNIQ Physical Therapy team will conduct a detailed assessment to understand your specific symptoms and needs. This includes evaluating your pain levels, range of motion, strength, and daily activities.
From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment program tailored to your needs. Here’s what it will generally include:
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy helps reduce pain and improve mobility through hands-on techniques like soft tissue manipulation and neck mobilization. These methods help relieve pressure on the affected nerves and promote healing in the surrounding tissues.
Therapeutic Exercise
- Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles supporting the neck, improving mobility. These exercises alleviate pressure on the affected discs, reduce pain, and enhance overall neck stability.
Postural Corrections
- Personalized postural corrections help reduce unnecessary strain on the neck and spine. Keeping your spine in alignment alleviates pressure on the discs, promotes better alignment, and helps prevent future injuries.
Make Your Appointment Today!
Are you tired of dealing with neck pain and radiating discomfort in your upper extremities? Then you’d likely benefit from from physical therapy for herniated cervical discs. Schedule an appointment at UNIQ Physical Therapy today to get started.
