First Choice PT. Herniated Discs

NEWSLETTER

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM HERNIATED DISCS?

CONTINUE AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE FREE OF PAIN! Back pain can develop for all sorts of reasons. From a car accident to bad posture, to an uncomfortable seat for a prolongedperiodoftime,backpaincancomeoutofnowhere and cause no small amount of discomfort once it arrives.

• Understanding Herniated Discs • Treatment for Herniated Discs • Patient Success Spotlight • Trail Mix Recipe INSIDE:

There are some back injuries, however, that are even more painfulthanyourrun-of-the-millbackpain.Aherniateddisc is oneofthemostpainfulback injuriesthatyoucanexperience, and it is far more common than you may be initially aware.

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MARCH 2019

NEWSLETTER

CONTINUE AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE FREE OF PAIN!

UNDERSTADING HERNIATED DISCS

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. When a disc becomes herniated, the cushioning in between the vertebrae will rupture,essentiallydeflating thecushioning inbetween thevertebraeandcausing thebones tobegin to rubagainstoneanother.This ispainfulenoughas it is,but can become even more painful if the herniated disc actually begins to press on theadjacentspinalnerves,causing thepain tospreadeven furtherup thespine. 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 thatyou mayhaveexperiencedaherniateddisc it is important thatyou 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. 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. Weightlifters 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.

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TREATMENT FOR HERNIATED DISCS

Pain associated with a herniated disc often develops in the sciatic 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 thepainofaherniateddiscgoaway.Thepain isoften frequentlyassociatedwith numbness,weakness,andtingling inthe legs. Inmanysituations,thepainwillfeel 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. Physicaltherapy isagreatresourceforattemptingtoovercomethepainassociated withaherniateddisc.Acombinationofpassiveandactive techniques is typically employed, including deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, 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.

For more information about overcoming back pain, call 321-802-5814 to talk with your physical therapist today!

HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR JOINTS

Relieving arthritis or joint pain may be easier than you think! The solution may be as simple as paying attention to what you are eating in order to avoid

inflammatory foods that often lead to pain. What Inflammatory Foods Lead to Pain?

Eating highly processed foods (such as pasta, bread and crackers—especially those containing gluten) creates inflammation in the body. This inflammation then leads to theactualphysicalpain thatyoumay feel inyourkneesand joints since the joints are particularly vulnerable to inflammation. Foodswithgluten,transfats,found insnackfoods likechipsandpastries,andhigh sugar, thathandfulofM&M’s fromyourcoworkersdesk,allcause inflammation. For many people, dairy products are also inflammatory. Eating these types of foodsovera longperiodof timemeansmoreandmore inflammation throughout the body and ultimately more pain. Whilechangingyourfoodsoundssimple,manyneedmoreguidanceandsupport, which is why a nutrition consultation, is often helpful. However, you can take our tips above and start alleviating your pain today!

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PATIENT SUCCESS STORY SPOTLIGHT

Trail Mix Recipe

“Thank you for getting me back to my normal self!”

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup raw almonds • 3/4 cup raw cashews • 2/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds • 1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds

• 2 tbsp unsweetened dried cranberries, chopped • 2 tbsp vegan dark chocolate chips • sea salt for taste

“Theprofessionalandcaringhelp fromChristyandPamwas justwhat I needed for my back pain. I was skeptical about physical therapy at first, but after my first session I knew I was in great hands. First Choice exceeded my expectations. I have been to other facilities, but nothing compares! I am more than happy and satisfied and would come back anytime I am in need of therapy. I recommend First Choice to all my friends and family! Thank you for getting me back to my normal self.” -JL

DIRECTIONS Chop any large ingredients if necessary to make everything about the same size. Give thedried fruita lightsprinkleofseasaltbeforeyoumix it in (itsticksbetter),orsprinkle thewholemixwithsalt ifyouprefer.Combineall ingredients inabowlandenjoy!Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

1. Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist. 2. Your therapist can discuss with you why your pain is bothering you again and what you might do about it at home. 3. If further assessment is warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment. Call To Talk to Your Therapist Today 321-802-5814 Has Your Pain Come Back?

RELIEVE BACK PAIN INMINUTES Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain.

Helps Alleviate Back Pain

www.simpleset.net

SWAN DIVE Lay on stomach with your arms overhead. Press your chest upwards, keeping the muscles in your trunk and legs relaxed. Repeat 6 times.

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