Herniated Disc Treatment Bismarck, MO | Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs

Herniated Disc Treatment Bismarck, MO. A herniated disc can keep you from living the active life you want, but healing is achievable with the appropriate treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are experts in evidence-based treatments tailored to your individual requirements, whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or intense pain. Our expert physical therapy team in Bismarck, MO is committed to helping you heal non-surgically, using individualized plans created to reduce pain, restore mobility, and get you back to the life you love.

Start managing your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO. Make an appointment through our website, call the location nearest you, or visit any of our locations for a free injury screening.

About Herniated Discs

A herniated disc is a common condition affecting the spine, where the soft, inner material of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) bulges out from its outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This condition can result in a set of issues, including intense back pain or neck pain, as well as pain spreading through the arms or legs depending on the affected area of the spine. In advanced cases, it can result in weakness or numbness in the limbs, making simple activities like walking, lifting, or even lying or sitting down hard to perform.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

Pain: Acute, spreading pain in the lumbar region (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often extending to the limbs (sciatica).
Numbness or tingling: A frequent symptom is numbness or tingling in the limbs, particularly the arms, legs, hands, or feet, which occurs because of nerve compression.
Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness often manifests in the arms or legs, which can signal a more severe form of nerve compression.

Risk factors and causes:

Age-related degeneration: As we get older, our spinal discs gradually lose their natural hydration and flexibility, making them more susceptible to damage.
Injury and improper lifting: A herniated disc can occur due to sudden injuries from sports or incorrect lifting of heavy objects.
Repetitive movements: Engaging in activities or jobs that require frequent bending, twisting, or heavy lifting makes you more susceptible to disc injuries.
Poor posture: Prolonged poor posture, whether sitting or standing, can lead to extra stress on the spine.

It’s crucial to intervene early. At Axes Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your alignment, mobility, reflexes, and spine health to identify the severity and exact location of the herniated disc. This helps us develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique condition, getting you started on your healing journey as soon as possible.

Herniated Disc Treatment Greater Bismarck, MO | Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs Near Bismarck

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Bismarck, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in Bismarck, MO. Our objective is to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life, all while preventing the need for invasive procedures.

The Evaluation Process

At Axes Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO, our physical therapists will begin your first session with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your disc herniation and its effect on your mobility. This includes assessing various factors like posture, range of motion, and nerve function.

Posture analysis: Assessing your posture to find imbalances that could be causing or worsening your herniated disc.
Spine mobility tests: Evaluating how well your spine moves to determine any restrictions in mobility.
Nerve function testing: Assessing for nerve compression or damage that might result in symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the limbs.

Key Treatment Techniques:

Manual Therapy: Our highly trained therapists perform hands-on manipulation of soft tissues and joints to relieve pain, ease muscle tension, and improve spinal mobility. This can involve:
- Spinal mobilization: Subtle adjustments aimed at correcting spinal misalignment and alleviating nerve compression.
- Myofascial release: A technique to reduce tightness in the connective tissues that surround muscles and organs, promoting overall relaxation and reducing pain.
- Trigger point dry needling: Inserting fine needles into the skin and muscles to promote healing and alleviate tension, inflammation, and pain.

Targeted Exercises:

Pelvic tilt: This exercise builds core strength, which helps reduce spinal pressure and ease discomfort.
McKenzie extension: Gently stretches the spine to alleviate pressure on the herniated disc.
Cat-cow stretch: Enhances spine mobility while easing tension in the muscles of the back.
Lumbar stabilization: Builds spinal support muscles, improving stability and minimizing disc pressure.
Hamstring stretches: Increases flexibility in the legs, which reduces strain on the lower back.
Wall sits: Helps to increase strength in the lower back and legs, aiding in posture improvement and spinal stability.
Bridges: Builds strength in the glutes and lower back, contributing to better spinal support and pain relief.
Knee-to-chest stretch: Gently stretches the lower back, relieving tension in the lumbar area.
Bird-dog exercise: Builds core stability and balance, helping to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

Progressive Treatment Plan

As your condition improves, we transition from passive treatments, like manual therapy, to more active therapies designed to strengthen your body and improve your overall spinal health. Key exercises like bird-dog movements and prone extensions are critical for your recovery, as they help you regain control over your body and reduce the risk of further injury.

Thanks to our all-encompassing approach, many patients enjoy improvements in pain, movement, and their overall quality of life, avoiding surgery altogether. Each of our custom treatment plans is designed to help you recover at a rate that suits you, ensuring your rehabilitation is both comfortable and effective.

Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehab for Herniated Discs in Bismarck, MO

In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we help Bismarck, MO patients both before and after surgery with specialized rehab designed to optimize outcomes.

Pre-Surgery Therapy:

Using physical therapy to prepare for surgery can significantly improve post-surgical recovery. The primary aims of pre-surgical therapy are:

Maximizing mobility: Ensuring that your body is as strong and mobile as possible to support faster recovery post-surgery.
Reducing pain and inflammation: Using therapies that can help ease discomfort in the days leading up to surgery.

Post-Surgery Therapy:

Following surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in helping you regain function and rebuild strength. We design post-surgical rehab plans with a focus on:

Rebuilding strength: Primarily targeting the core muscles and other muscles that support your spine.
Restoring mobility: Helping you regain normal movement patterns while minimizing pain.
Preventing future injuries: Providing education on how to maintain good posture and safe body mechanics to avoid future injuries.

Our objective is to maximize the success of any necessary surgeries so you can resume your normal and enjoyable activities in Bismarck, MO, free from pain or limitations.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Bismarck, MO?

At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. Our Bismarck, MO licensed physical and occupational therapists with over 15 years of experience create personalized, comprehensive treatment plans that address both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of your condition.

Why Patients Trust Us:

Experience: We bring years of expertise to treating numerous spine-related concerns.
Patient-Centered Care: We customize each care plan to the patient, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: We use the latest in therapy techniques, from manual manipulation to advanced exercise regimens designed for herniated disc recovery.

The success of our patients, many of whom have regained full mobility and live pain-free, speaks volumes about the quality of care we provide.

Other services we offer in Bismarck, MO include:

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Bismarck, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, our mission is to help you conquer the pain and restrictions of a herniated disc. Whether you’re looking to avoid surgery or recover after one, our expert therapists will create a personalized, scientifically backed treatment plan to restore your mobility and get you back to the activities you love. Take control of your life again—contact Axes Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery!