Herniated Disc Physiotherapy in Tirana, Albania

What is a Herniated Disc?

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, starting from the cervical part and ending with the coccige. Discs are spherical cushions that sit between your vertebrae. The nucleus is surrounded by a strong outer layer (annulus) that is spherical, like a little pillow. The disc presses on spinal nerves as a result of this displacement, causing discomfort that can be severe. Discs, which are located between each vertebra in the spinal column, serve as shock absorbers for the bones of the spine. A rip or rupture in the annulus causes a fragment of the disc nucleus to protrude into the spinal canal, causing a herniated disc. 

The disc is soft, flexible, and absorbs shock well in those less than 30 years old. The disc, on the other hand, can lose some elasticity as people age. The outer part of the disc breaks when the spine is injured, enabling the gelatin-like core to leak out. The pouring or bursting of gelatin is a sign of a ruptured disc. We can see a herniated disc in the cervical spine or lumbar spine, which is the most common.  The location of the pain is determined by which section of the spine is afflicted. 

What are the symptoms of Herniated Disc?

Depending on where the problem is in your spine, the symptoms of a herniated disc vary.

Herniated Disc in the back. 

The pain usually spreads down one side of your buttocks, down your leg, and into your foot. Some other symptoms are listed below:

• Pain in the back.
• Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet.
• Weakness of muscles.

 Herniated in the neck (herniated cervical disc).

A herniated disc in your neck might cause the following symptoms:

• Shoulder, arm, and, on rare occasions, hand and finger pain.
• Neck ache, especially in the back and sides of the neck.
• Neck pain that worsens when you bend or turn your head. 
• Tingling or numbness in your arms.

What causes a Herniated Disc?

Like a jelly doughnut, discs have a soft, gel-like center and a harder outer shell. The outer layer degrades and cracks over time. When this inner “jelly” substance pushes through the crack, that’s when a herniated disc is caused. The material that has escaped could put pressure on surrounding spinal nerves. A disc rupture can result from a variety of factors, including:

• The process of aging. 
• Excessive body fat. 
• Motions that are repeated. 
• Sudden strain.

Treatment for Herniated Disc.

Physical therapy is frequently used to help people recover from herniated discs. The following are some crucial aspects to consider:

• Ambulation and resumption of exercise.
• Pain control.
• Education maintains a healthy weight.

For the treatment of pain and the restoration of functional and neurological deficits associated with symptomatic disc herniation, physical therapy programs are frequently advised. Its techniques not only relieve pain right away but also teach you how to prepare your body to avoid further injury.

The main goal of treatment for each patient is to alleviate pain and other symptoms caused by a herniated disc. To do this, each patient’s treatment plan should be tailored to the source of their pain, the severity of their pain, and the exact symptoms they are experiencing.

Physical therapy can be done in a variety of ways. Deep tissue massage, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation (e.g., TENS), and hydrotherapy are examples of passive treatments that calm the body. Passive therapies are usually the first step in our physical therapy regimen. However, once your body has healed, you will begin active therapies to strengthen it and avoid further suffering. Our team of professional physiotherapists will collaborate with you to create a unique strategy that is tailored to your needs.

Passive physical treatments for Herniated Discs.

• Deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage is an ideal choice if you have a herniated disc since it exerts a lot of pressure to relieve deep muscle tension and spasms, which can inhibit muscle activity in the affected area.

• Hot and cold therapy.

Both heat and cold therapies have their own set of advantages, and our physiotherapists may use a combination of both to achieve the best outcomes. 

• Hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy involves the use of water and can be as simple as relaxing in a hot tub or taking a warm shower as a passive treatment. Hydrotherapy is a gentle method of pain relief and muscle relaxation.

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

By using a TENS machine, an electrical current is sent through electrodes placed to your skin to crucial places along with the nerve system. TENS works by releasing endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers, which help to reduce muscle spasms.

• Traction.

The goal of this technique is to minimize disc herniation by gently moving the bones apart. It can be carried out on either the cervical or lumbar spine.

Physical therapy active treatments for Herniated Discs.

Active therapy improves your posture, increases your strength and flexibility, and helps with joint movement. A workout program may be given to attain the best results. Our physiotherapists at FisioCenter Tirana will collaborate with you to create a personal program that is specific to your condition and medical history.

• Core stability.

Many people are unaware of the importance of having a strong core for spinal health. Back muscles support your spine with the help of your core (abdominal) muscles. Our physiotherapists may show you how to improve your back by teaching you core stabilizing exercises.

• Flexibility.

You will be better prepared for aerobic and strength activities if you learn basic stretching and flexibility techniques. By preventing stiffness, flexibility allows your body to move more easily.

• Hydrotherapy.

Active hydrotherapy, as opposed to passive hydrotherapy, which involves merely soaking in a hot tub or bath, may include water aerobics to help condition your body. 

• Muscle strengthening.

Strong muscles provide a fantastic support system for your spine and help you deal with discomfort more effectively. 

Our physiotherapists will show you how to condition and strengthen your back so that you can avoid suffering in the future.

Exercise and Herniated Discs.

Physical activity can help you lessen pain and ensure your back’s long-term health. Exercising is a great technique to strengthen and stabilize your low back muscles, which will help you avoid additional damage and pain. Strong muscles help to support your body’s weight and bones, relieving pressure on your spine. 

Exercise can be a fun and rewarding approach to dealing with the symptoms of a herniated disc. You and our physiotherapists can collaborate to create a pain-relieving program that you can stick to. 

What exercises should you do if you have a Herniated Disc?

• Stretching programs like yoga and pilates. 

This sort of exercise improves strength and flexibility while also providing relief from acute leg and low back pain.

• Exercises for dynamic lumbar stabilization. 

This program works the stomach and back muscles to promote posture, flexibility, and strength.

• Moderate aerobic activities.

Walking, biking, swimming, and aerobic activities are all good ways to relieve discomfort. Anyway, we’ll decide which exercises will be most beneficial to you. 

Is there a way to avoid a Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs are difficult to avoid in some cases. However, you can lower your risk by doing the following:

• Staying in a healthy weight range. 
• Maintaining proper posture. 
• Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes.
• Exercising regularly. 
• Quitting smoking.

You can find us at Brigada VIII street, 1001, Tirana, Albania. If you need further information and learn more about cervical spine pain treatment, to have your neck pain diagnosed, or simply to talk with a member of our staff for additional information, please schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists, call  069 400 30 10 or email at fisiocentertirana1@gmail.com.

We’re here to assist your recovery!