A herniated cervical disc is a result of a tear in the disc wall that ruptures and allows the gel-like substance in the disc to filter out. The substance irritates surrounding nerves and causes pain and inflammation. Physical therapy does not cure the herniated disc, but it can relieve symptoms.
Passive Therapy
Therapy for a herniated cervical disc begins with passive therapy. Wrap a cold gel-like pack or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply to the painful area. Leave the cold wrap on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. Cold will reduce swelling and inflammation. Apply heat for 15 minutes several times a day. Heat application delivers blood flow to the area promoting healing and pain relief. Massage therapy allows blood to circulate back into tense muscles. Deep tissue massage is the best for a herniated cervical disc as it provides deep pressure massaging to relieve muscle spasms. Sit in a whirlpool bath or stand in a hot shower. Hydrotherapy uses warm water to relax muscles and relieve pain. Use a TENS machine to relieve pain. Electrodes are placed on the painful area from the TENS machine and small electrical pulses are released into your body. These pulses interfere with pain signals being sent to the brain. Portable units are small and may be carried with you to work, school or shopping. Use a traction bench at your chiropractor's office or purchase one yourself. Traction pulls apart bones and discs relieving pressure on the spine.
Physical Therapy
Consult with a physical therapist on a program to help build strength and improve muscle weakness surrounding the herniated cervical disc. Exercise abdominal muscles. Stomach muscles help the back support the spine and weakened abdominal muscles add extra pressure to back muscles. Strengthening abdominal muscles will in turn help the back muscles. Learn yoga exercises to help with range of motion and flexibility. Flexible muscles reduce the chance of injury. Participate in water aerobics to help strengthen muscles without the impact of stress. Swimming or using water dumbbells provide flexibility and strength to back, leg and stomach muscles. Use weights to help build strong muscles to support the back. Start slow with light weights to begin. Do 10 repetitions and three sets. If you feel any pain, reduce the weight or the repetitions. Stop if you continue to feel pain as you may cause additional injury to the herniated disc area. Work with a physical therapist who will be able to guide you in the correct exercises and treatment for your disc pain.
Tags: cervical disc, abdominal muscles, herniated cervical, herniated cervical disc, back muscles