CourcierClinicPT.Herniated Discs

Health+Fitness N E W S L E T T E R

UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS

Discover Relief Uderstand how to releive Herniated Discs Pain

Exercise Essentials Try this exercise to relieve Your lower back pain

Healthy Recipe Try this Fiesta Cornbread & Sausage Strata

Physical Therapy N E W S L E T T E R

UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS

When a disc becomes herniated, the cushioning in between the vertebrae will rupture, essentially deflating the cushioning in between the vertebrae and causing the bones to begin to rub against one another. This is painful enough as it is, but can become even more painful if the herniated disc actually begins to press on the adjacent spinal nerves, causing the pain to spread even further up the spine. The most common placement for a herniated disc is at the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. While it is not the only reason that pain can become severe in the lower back, it is definitely one of the most severe forms of back pain. If you suspect that you may have experienced a herniated disc it is important that you seek medical attention, such as from your physical therapist. A herniated disc will not heal on its own, and working with a physical therapist is one of the best ways to experience relief from the pain associated with this common concern.

Back pain can develop for all sorts of reasons. From a car accident to bad posture, to an uncomfortable seat for a prolonged period of time, back pain can come out of nowhere and cause no small amount of discomfort once it arrives. There are some back injuries, however, that are even more painful than your run-of-the-mill back pain. A herniated disc is one of the most painful back injuries that you can experience, and it is far more common than you may be initially aware. What is a Herniated Disc? Your spine is made up of a series of interlocking bones with small cushions in-between each joint socket. The structure of your spine is what allows you to move freely from side to side. Every time you crunch your abdomen by bending forward, or lean to one side or another for a deep stretch, those little vertebral bodies move with you, keeping you comfortable and your back strong. Without cushioning in between each of those sockets, the bones would rub against one another with every movement, and this would be incredibly painful.

Call Courcier Clinic at 405.478.5333 to schedule your appointment today! Visit courcierclinic.com for more information.

COURCIERCLINIC.COM

Is pain or injury keeping you from enjoying life? Schedule your consultation with a physical therapist today by calling 405.478.5333!

Understanding Herniated Discs

How does this happen? The vertebrae in the spine are stacked closely together, with only a small amount of space for the discs in between each bone. A disc can become herniated as a result of injury, car accident, or even simply from overuse. One of the most common causes of a herniated disc is heavy lifting. Weight lifters have to be especially wary not to suddenly lift something too heavy, otherwise risk experiencing a slipped disc. But experienced gym-goers are not the only ones at risk. Every time you attempt to move a piece of furniture, a heavy box, or even a big bag of books, you need to be wary to lift correctly, otherwise face the risk of potentially herniating a disc in your back. Treatment for Herniated Discs Pain associated with a herniated disc often develops in the sciatica nerve, and doesn’t subside with simple rest and relaxation. While hot and cold therapy will help alleviate the pain associated with many different back issues, it won’t make the pain of a herniated disc go away. The pain is often frequently associatedwith numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs. In many situations, the pain will feel more severe after initial movement, such as standing up or laying down.

Many people mistakenly refer to having a herniated disc as having “pinched a nerve,” but that is not the case. Physical therapy is a great resource for attempting to overcome the pain associated with a herniated disc. A combination of passive and active techniques is typically employed, including deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy, as well as deep stretching and strength building. If you suspect that you may have a herniated disc, contact a physical therapist right away. Attempting to engage in therapy at home could lead to further injury. It is best to have an experienced therapist assess your injury before attempting any treatment options.

Call Courcier Clinic at 405.478.5333 to schedule your appointment today! Visit courcierclinic.com for more information.

Exercise Essentials

Don’t Miss Out On This Special Offer! FREE 15 min Consultation!

PRONE PRESS UP Helps to relieve lower back pain.

While lying on your stomach, place your hands under your shoulders as if you are going to do a push-up. While keeping your hips on the table, lift your upper body off the table, making sure to get to end-range.

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“It is with a renewed spirit and painless body that I write to thank you for all of your help. After spending the past several years in other physical therapy clinics, I am thrilled to have found you. Your individual approach, personal attention, and spirited attitude have renewed my faith and my belief that I CAN live life without pain in my neck and back. As a dental hygienist, being more aware of my posture has enabled me to be better at my job, too.” -Tracy Patient Success Spotlight

Do I Have To Be Inactive When I’m In Pain?

If you have back or joint pain, there are probably some times when all you want to do is lie in bed all day. It’s tempting, but it might make the problem worse. Doctors used to prescribe bed rest for back pain and other chronic pain conditions, but studies have found that people who exercise and stay flexible manage their pain much better than those who don’t. If you do have a chronic pain condition like back pain or hip, knee, or shoulder problems, you shouldn’t begin an exercise program without guidance. Check with your physical therapist first. They have

the expertise to help you develop an individualized exercise program. Have a professional; a physical therapist show you what is appropriate to do given your condition. Here are 7 exercises/activities you should do to alleviate pain: 1. Walking 2. Swimming 3. Yoga

4. Tai Chi 5. Pilates 6. Stretching 7. Aerobics

Staff Spotlight

Jeff Courcier

Jeff’s testimony- In 1998, I suf- fered a power-lifting injury that resulted in a L5/S1 disc bulge that caused severe low back pain, numbness and tingling down my right leg into my foot. I lost time from work, sought traditional P.T., had 2 steroid injections and ultimately endured a surgery for lumbar laminectomy/partial discectomy, all of which were unsuccessful. Then God led me to sequenced manual therapy. My healing finally began, and my PT practice was forever changed! This gentle, whole body approach changed my life, as my pain decreased and I began to return to previous activities and more. I have now practiced this gentle art of mobilization and manipulation for over twenty years and it has blessed my life and many others.

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HEALTHY RECIPE: BEEF SOUP

INGREDIENTS - 1 pound lean ground beef - 1/2 onion, chopped thinly - 2 cloves garlic, chopped - 4 cups low sodium beef broth - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into small chunks

- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce - 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained - 1 package frozen mixed soup vegetables Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Return the meat to the pot and add the onions and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring consis- tently. Add the beef broth and chopped potatoes. Bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and frozen mixed vegetables. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pota- toes and vegetables are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.