Herniated Disc Specialist

KC Physical Therapy

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist located in Murray Hill, New York, NY

Pain from a herniated disc can be debilitating, but with the right treatment plan, you don't have to suffer any longer. At KC Physical Therapy, located in Murray Hill, New York, New York, Our team uses advanced physical therapy techniques and Pilates-based stretches and exercises to ease the pain from a herniated disc without surgery. Call today to learn more about how you can get relief, or book an appointment online.

Herniated Disc Q & A

What is a herniated disc?

Discs are soft, jelly-like substances that cushion the vertebrae that make up your spine. When these discs break down or rupture, the jelly-like center can leak out and irritate nearby nerves. This can lead to debilitating pain, often in your back.

Symptoms of a herniated disc may include:

  • Arm or leg pain
  • Shoulder or neck pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle weakness

Sometimes the pain is severe, but in other cases, you may not experience any symptoms at all from a herniated disc.

 

What causes a herniated disc?

Disc degeneration, which is normal wear-and-tear associated with aging, increases your risk for developing a herniated disc. This is because as you age, your discs lose water and become less flexible, which makes them more vulnerable to damage.

Other risk factors for herniated discs include:

  • Turning or twisting while lifting heavy objects
  • Traumatic injuries, such as a falls
  • Repetitive strenuous activities
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

You might not be able to pinpoint anything specific that caused a herniated disc, but our team works with you to develop an appropriate physical therapy treatment based on the severity of your injury and pain.

 

How does physical therapy relieve herniated disc pain?

OUr team uses a variety of advanced physical therapy techniques to address herniated discs and ease pain. Sometimes simply resting the affected area helps your injury heal without the need for further action. Additional treatments Dr. Pillora may recommend include:

Icing

In addition to rest, our team may recommend icing the area near a herniated disc to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. She instructs you on how often to use cold therapy.

Neuromuscular training

Neuromuscular training is a physical therapy technique that uses strength and flexibility exercises to:

  • Strengthen tissues surrounding a ruptured disc
  • Increase spine stability
  • Improve body mechanics and alignment
  • Improve posture
  • Enhance healing

OUr team also specializes in Pilates-based movements that strengthen internal stabilizing muscles near ruptured discs.

Kinesio Taping®

Our team uses Kinesio Taping for various injuries, including herniated discs. She strategically places flexible tape on your skin for extra support, and to lift up tissues that irritate nerves near the site of your injury.

TheraBand training

During TheraBand training, our team uses resistance bands to strengthen muscles and connective tissue near the site of a ruptured disc. This helps to improve your posture, enhance healing, relieve pain, and prevent future injuries.

When you’re ready to resume normal day-to-day activities after a herniated disc without the need for medication or surgery, call KC Physical Therapy or book an appointment online today.