Herniated Disc Treatment Mackenzie, MO. A herniated disc can interfere with your daily life, but improvement is achievable with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in research-supported treatments customized for your specific needs, whether you’re experiencing minor aches or severe pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Mackenzie, MO is committed to supporting your healing through conservative care, using customized plans intended to alleviate discomfort, increase flexibility, and get you back to the activities you love.
Take control of your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Mackenzie, MO. Request an appointment online, call the location nearest you, or come to any of our locations for a free injury screening.
About Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is a common injury affecting the spine, where the soft, gel-like center of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) bulges out from its outer layer, placing strain on nearby nerves. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including sharp pain in the back or neck pain, as well as pain spreading through the arms or legs depending on the affected area of the spine. In severe cases, it can even cause weakness or numbness in the limbs, rendering basic actions like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down challenging.
Herniated disc symptoms include:
- Pain: Acute, radiating pain in the lumbar region (lumbar herniation) or cervical area (cervical herniation), often spreading to the limbs (sciatica).
- Numbness or tingling: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to 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: Over time, spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility, reducing their ability to cushion the spine, which increases the risk of injury.
- Injury and improper lifting: A herniated disc can occur due to sudden injuries from sports or incorrect lifting of heavy objects.
- Repetitive movements: Repeated movements like bending, twisting, or heavy lifting in certain jobs or activities heighten the chances of a disc injury.
- 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 Mackenzie, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, mobility, reflexes, and spine health to determine the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This enables us to design a treatment plan personalized to your unique condition, getting you started on your healing journey quickly and effectively.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Mackenzie, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in Mackenzie, MO. Our goal is to alleviate pain, improve movement, and boost your well-being, all while avoiding the need for invasive procedures.
The Evaluation Process
At Axes Physical Therapy in Mackenzie, 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 will cover multiple factors, such as your range of motion, spinal alignment, and nerve reflexes.
- Posture analysis: Identifying any imbalances that may be contributing to your condition.
- Spine mobility tests: Assessing the range of motion in your spine and identifying areas where movement is restricted.
- Nerve function testing: Testing nerve function to detect possible compression or damage leading to symptoms like numbness or tingling.
Key Treatment Techniques:
- Manual Therapy: Our licensed therapists use hands-on techniques to manipulate soft tissues and joints, reducing pain and muscle tension while improving spine mobility. This can involve:
- Spinal mobilization: Careful manipulation techniques to restore proper spinal alignment and reduce nerve pressure.
- Myofascial release: A therapy used to release tightness in the fascia, leading to reduced pain and enhanced relaxation.
- Trigger point dry needling: Penetrating the skin and underlying tissue with thin, filiform needles to stimulate healing and relieve muscle 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: Improves spinal flexibility and reduces tension in the back muscles.
- Lumbar stabilization: Builds spinal support muscles, improving stability and minimizing disc pressure.
- Hamstring stretches: Stretches the hamstrings to alleviate strain on the lower back.
- Wall sits: Builds strength in the legs and lower back, promoting better posture and spinal support.
- Bridges: Strengthens the glutes and lower back, helping to support the spine and reduce pain.
- Knee-to-chest stretch: Gently stretches the lower back, relieving tension in the lumbar area.
- Bird-dog exercise: This exercise improves core balance and stability while strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine.
Progressive Treatment Plan
As your recovery progresses, we move from passive therapies, such as manual therapy, to more active treatments that focus on building strength and enhancing 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.
Our thorough treatment approach allows patients to experience notable reductions in pain, increased mobility, and a better quality of life, without the need for surgery. Our personalized treatment plans ensure that you are always progressing at a pace that works for you, keeping your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehab for Herniated Discs in Mackenzie, MO
In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we assist Mackenzie, MO patients both before and after surgery with specialized rehab to help you achieve the best possible recovery.
Pre-Surgery Therapy:
Preparing for surgery through physical therapy can enhance your recovery afterward. Our goals before surgery include:
- Maximizing mobility: We aim to strengthen and increase your mobility to ensure a quicker recovery after surgery.
- Reducing pain and inflammation: Employing therapeutic techniques to minimize discomfort and swelling before your procedure.
Post-Surgery Therapy:
Post-surgery, physical therapy is crucial for restoring your strength and improving your functional abilities. Our recovery plans after surgery concentrate on the following:
- Rebuilding strength: Especially in the core muscles and those supporting the spine.
- Restoring mobility: Aiming to restore natural movement patterns with as little pain as possible.
- 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 Mackenzie, MO, free from pain or limitations.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Mackenzie, MO?
Our method for treating herniated discs at Axes Physical Therapy extends beyond just relieving pain. With over 15 years of experience, our licensed physical and occupational therapists in Mackenzie, MO design tailored treatment plans that target both the symptoms and root causes of your condition.
Why Patients Trust Us:
- Experience: We bring years of expertise to treating numerous spine-related concerns.
- Patient-Centered Care: Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, focusing on both their physical and emotional well-being.
- Cutting-Edge Techniques: Our team employs cutting-edge techniques, including manual therapy and advanced exercise programs for herniated disc rehabilitation.
Our success stories speak for themselves, with countless patients regaining the ability to live active, pain-free lives after undergoing treatment with us.
Other services we offer in Mackenzie, MO include:
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Vertigo Treatment
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Concussion Treatment
Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Mackenzie, MO
We at Axes Physical Therapy are dedicated to assisting you in overcoming the discomfort and challenges caused by a herniated disc. If you’re trying to avoid surgery or need post-surgical rehab, our expert therapists will create a tailored, scientifically supported plan to get you moving again and back to what you enjoy. Don’t let a herniated disc dampen your life—reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Mackenzie, MO today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!