CALL 416-244-3810 TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR LEADING HERNIATED DISC TREATMENT
The spine is capable of adapting to a lot of stress. However, over time, our everyday actions take a toll on our joints, making them vulnerable to injury with the potential to lead to pain and discomfort. Herniated discs, also referred to as slipped discs, are injuries to the lower back.
However, in most cases, patients can manage this painful condition successfully with professional herniated disc treatment and physiotherapy care.
At Focus Physiotherapy, we proudly provide expert herniated disc treatment to patients throughout The Junction. We tailor our treatments to address and heal the source of your problem and relieve chronic pain for herniated disc, chronic lower back pain, sciatica and a range of disc-related conditions and diseases.
Book Your Appointment for Herniated Disc Treatment The Junction
What is a Herniated Disc?
Intervertebral discs are crucial components of the spine, acting as cushions between the individual vertebrae (bones) that make up this essential structure. These discs play multiple vital roles in maintaining spinal health and function.
Key functions of intervertebral discs:
- Flexibility: The discs allow the spine to bend, twist, and move in various directions. This flexibility is essential for everyday activities like walking, running, and bending over.
- Shock Absorption: They act as shock absorbers, cushioning the spine from the impact of daily movements and preventing the vertebrae from grinding against each other.
- Nutrient Pathway: Discs facilitate the flow of nutrients into the vertebral bones, helping to keep them healthy and strong.
Disc Herniation (Slipped Disc):
Sometimes, the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc can be squeezed out through a tear or weakness in the outer layer. This is known as a herniated disc or slipped disc. Herniated discs are most common in the lumbar region (lower back).
Impact of Disc Herniation:
The spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and nerves, has limited space. When a disc herniates, it can press on these delicate nerves. This pressure often causes pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating. Additional symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the areas served by the affected nerves.
There are many contributing causes of herniated disks, such as:
- Wear and tear that occurs with aging
- Excessive body weight
- Injury to the spine
- Sudden stress
- Poor posture
- Bad habits in exercise
Our Herniated Disc Treatment Centre is Conveniently Located at 2007 Lawrence Ave W near the Junction. We Welcome You To Stop By With Questions or Give Us A Call At 416-961-2001or Email Us Today.
Types and Symptoms of Disc Herniation
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a condition where the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the tough outer ring.
While herniated discs can affect any part of the spine, they are most prevalent in the lumbar spine, the lower back region responsible for supporting the body’s weight. However, they can also occur in the cervical spine, the neck region facilitating head movement and flexibility.
The symptoms of a herniated disc are highly variable and largely depend on the location of the affected disc and the extent of the herniation. If the herniated disc presses on a nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the path of the affected nerve. In the lower back, this can manifest as sciatica, a sharp, shooting pain that travels down the leg. In the neck, it can cause pain and weakness in the arm and shoulder.
In some cases, a herniated disc may not cause any symptoms at all, especially if it does not compress a nerve. However, even without symptoms, a herniated disc can weaken the spine and increase the risk of future back problems.
A lumbar herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a frequent cause of pain that can originate in the low back and radiate to the buttocks and legs. The pain that travels down the leg is commonly known as sciatica.
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary widely, but often include:
- Pain: This can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain. It can be localized in the low back or spread down the leg, sometimes reaching the foot.
- Numbness or tingling: These sensations can occur in the buttocks, legs, or feet due to nerve compression.
- Muscle spasms or cramping: The muscles in the back or leg may involuntarily contract, causing pain and discomfort.
- Weakness: The leg muscles may become weak, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.
- Loss of leg function: In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause a loss of control over bowel or bladder function, requiring immediate medical attention.
Certain activities, such as bending, coughing, or sneezing, can increase pressure in the spinal column and intensify the pain associated with a herniated disc.
A herniated disc in the thoracic spine (mid-back) often leads to pain that is not only localized in the mid-back but also radiates to the ribs or abdomen. This pain usually centers around the level of the affected disc and can wrap around the ribcage. The pain may be accompanied by numbness or tingling sensations, muscle stiffness, and weakness in the legs.
However, these symptoms are not exclusive to a herniated thoracic disc, and many other conditions can cause similar discomfort. Therefore, a thorough medical examination, including a detailed medical history and physical assessment, is crucial to accurately diagnose the cause of the pain and rule out other potential sources.
A cervical herniated disc, which occurs when the cushioning disc between the vertebrae in the neck ruptures or bulges, frequently leads to pain in the neck, shoulder, and arm on the side of the body where the herniation has occurred. This pain may be accompanied by a range of additional symptoms, including numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the affected arm.
Certain actions often worsen the pain associated with a cervical herniated disc. Bending over, coughing, or sneezing, for instance, can put increased pressure on the affected nerve, intensifying the discomfort. Similarly, turning the head towards the side where the herniated disc is located can further aggravate the symptoms, as this movement stretches and compresses the affected nerve.
In addition to the primary symptoms of pain and sensory disturbances, a cervical herniated disc may cause muscle weakness in the arm or hand on the affected side. This can make it difficult to grip objects or perform everyday tasks. In some cases, the herniation can also lead to more serious neurological symptoms, such as difficulty walking or problems with balance and coordination. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Professional Herniated Disc Treatment at Focus Physiotherapy in The Junction
Our Registered Physiotherapists accurately identify the best treatment for your recovery and create a program that reduces stress on the spine while relieving pain and discomfort during activities. The treatment solutions for Disc Herniation, which may include specialized physiotherapy equipment, will take into account your unique lifestyle demands.
Herniated Disc Treatment Options Include:
Physiotherapy
Physical therapists show you position and exercises designed to minimize the pain of a herniated disk.
OPHIP Physiotherapy
We are the first choice of OHIP-covered Physiotherapy services within the communities we serve. Our state-of-the-art equipment is now available through OHIP for the patients who meet the government selection criteria.
In-Home Physiotherapy
Home Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy services are excellent for patients suffering from a severe injury or mobility issues relating to herniated discs. Physiotherapy at home is very convenient for people whose schedule makes finding the time extremely difficult.
Massage Therapy Treatment
Massage therapy can help maintain healthy muscle tissue in the surrounding area, take the spinal column’s strain, and increase circulation, muscle flexibility, and range of motion.
Laser Therapy and Electrical Modalities
Laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to alter cellular function. Laser has primarily been shown helpful in the short-term treatment of acute pain.
Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture targets specific points along the “meridians” of your body that correspond to nerve pathways affected by a herniated disc. This herniated disc treatment method may help stimulate healing by increasing blood flow.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression is safe and effective without the normal risks associated with invasive procedures such as injections, anesthesia or surgery. The clinical results of this herniated disc treatment in the Junction have been effective in over 85% of patients treated. The common problems behind the majority of back conditions are damaged discs and poor spinal muscle control. Our herniated disc treatment program addresses both of these core problems.
Recovering from an acute injury may take 6-8 weeks, with the right balance of rest and activity and rehabilitation exercises. You will most likely see quicker results with professionally guided disc herniation treatment.
Book Your Appointment for Herniated Disc Treatment the Junction
Our Herniated Disc Treatment Centre in the Junction
Are you looking for herniated disc treatment to help you find relief? Visit Focus Physiotherapy today, located at 2007 Lawrence Ave W in York. Our office features a dedicated exercise studio, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and the most helpful team in town.
About Focus Physiotherapy
Our Focus Physiotherapy Practices are owned and operated by Registered Physiotherapists. We’ve built our practice on our treatment quality, which reflects the highest standards of our profession. Every day, we come to work to provide diligent, practical and effective physiotherapy services that are thoughtful and thorough.
Specializing in trauma recovery and using only the best technology, our high-quality professional care is focused on you. Registered Physiotherapists at Focus Physiotherapy are highly trained, continuous learners who assess, diagnose and treat patients as a result of injury, severe trauma, disease, neurological conditions and age-related degenerative conditions.
The needs of our patients are our focus. Our quality of care reflects best practices and uses the latest equipment and physiotherapy techniques every time.