Herniated Disc Treatment West Alton, MO. A herniated disc can keep you from living the active life you want, but healing is within reach with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in scientifically-backed treatments tailored to your unique condition, whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or severe pain. Our expert physical therapy team in West Alton, MO focuses on supporting your healing non-surgically, using customized plans created to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to the things you enjoy.

Take control of your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in West Alton, MO. Request 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 injury affecting the spine, where the soft, gel-like center of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) pushes through its outer layer, placing strain on nearby nerves. This condition can lead to 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 daily tasks like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down hard to perform.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

• Pain: Intense, shooting pain in the lumbar region (lumbar herniation) or cervical area (cervical herniation), often extending to the limbs (sciatica).
• Numbness or tingling: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to nerve compression.
• Muscle weakness: If you notice reduced strength in your arms or legs, it could point to a more significant compression of the nerves.

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: Jobs or activities that involve repeated bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects increase the risk of disc injury.
• Poor posture: Prolonged poor posture, whether sitting or standing, can lead to extra stress on the spine.

Addressing the issue early on is vital. At Axes Physical Therapy in West Alton, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spine health to determine the severity and exact location of the herniated disc. This allows us to develop a treatment plan personalized to your specific needs, getting you started on your healing journey as soon as possible.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in West Alton, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in West Alton, MO. Our aim 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 West Alton, 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. The assessment typically involves analyzing your posture, flexibility, and how well your nerves are functioning.

• 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: Gentle adjustments to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
  • Myofascial release: A therapy used to release tightness in the fascia, leading to reduced pain and enhanced relaxation.
  • 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: By strengthening the core, pelvic tilts help lessen pressure on the spine, leading to pain relief.
• McKenzie extension: This exercise reduces disc pressure by carefully extending the spine.
• Cat-cow stretch: Aids in increasing spinal flexibility and decreasing muscle tension in the back.
• Lumbar stabilization: Increases the strength of the muscles surrounding the spine, promoting stability and reducing strain on the disc.
• Hamstring stretches: Improves leg flexibility to help reduce pressure on the lower spine.
• 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: Helps to gently stretch the lower back, reducing tension and providing relief in the lumbar region.
• Bird-dog exercise: Builds core stability and balance, helping to strengthen the muscles that support 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 West Alton, MO

Although most herniated disc cases can be addressed without surgery, some severe cases or persistent symptoms may require surgical intervention. At Axes, we assist West Alton, MO patients both before and after surgery with focused therapy aimed at ensuring the best results.

Pre-Surgery Therapy:

Engaging in physical therapy before surgery helps optimize recovery after the procedure. Before surgery, we focus on achieving the following objectives:

• Maximizing mobility: Ensuring that your body is as strong and mobile as possible to support faster recovery post-surgery.
• Reducing pain and inflammation: Providing treatments to lower pain and reduce inflammation before surgery to improve comfort.

Post-Surgery Therapy:

After surgery, physical therapy becomes an important part of restoring function and getting you back to full strength. Our post-surgical rehabilitation plans focus on:

• Rebuilding strength: Focusing on strengthening your core and spinal support muscles.
• Restoring mobility: Aiming to restore natural movement patterns with as little pain as possible.
• Preventing future injuries: Through education on posture, body mechanics, and safe movements.

Our goal is to ensure that surgery, when needed, is as successful as possible, allowing you to return to your everyday and favorite activities in West Alton, MO without pain or limitations.

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

At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. With over 15 years of experience, our licensed physical and occupational therapists in West Alton, 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: We use the latest in therapy techniques, from manual manipulation to advanced exercise regimens designed for herniated disc recovery.

We’ve helped numerous patients return to active, pain-free lives through our treatments, and their success stories are a testament to our approach.

Other services we offer in West Alton, 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 West Alton, 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 West Alton, MO today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery!