Disc Herniation

When a disc becomes herniated, the disc can press on nerves and cause pain, numbness and tingling. A disc can be damaged by a fall or accident, repeated straining of the back, lifting weights, violent twisting, and can occur without any specific mechanism of injury.

Symptoms of Herniated Disc:

• Back Pain
• Numbness, tingling, pain, weakness in one or both legs
• Change in bowel or bladder habits (if this happens, seek medical attention immediately)

Diagnosis of Herniated Disc:

Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete examination of your back. Your physician may also send you for an MRI or CT scan.

Treatment of Herniated Disc:

• Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician
• Use for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off for the first 72 hours
• Heat Pack
• Traction
• Massage
• Physical Therapy – Schedule your appointment at one of our NJ, NY or PA locations closest to you
• An injection of a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and help control pain
• Lying flat on your back with your legs elevated or lying on your stomach with a pillow underneath your stomach whichever is more comfortable

Prevention of Herniated Disc:

• Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a proper diet, and exercising
• Strengthen core muscles

Low Back Pain

The spinal column is stabilized by muscles and ligaments. If there is weakness in the muscles or ligaments, the spine may become unstable and can be painful. Pain can radiate throughout the body because the nerves within the spinal cord reach all over the body. Low back pain can result from prolonged sitting and standing, lifting and carrying heavy objects or being overweight. Check your pain with the Oswestry Lower Pain Scale.

Low Back Pain Symptoms:

• Pain in the back or legs
• Limited range of motion or an overall feeling of stiffness
• Pain can be constant, intermittent, localized or radiating

Low Back Pain Diagnosis:

Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete examination of your back. Your physician may also send you for an MRI or CT scan.

Low Back Pain Treatment:

• Ice – use 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off for the first 72 hours
• Hot Pack
• Lying flat on the bed with your legs elevated over a pillow
• Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician
• Massage
• Wearing a supportive brace
• Physical Therapy – Schedule your appointment at one of our NJ, NY or PA locations closest to you
• Practice your posture
• Strengthen the core muscles

Low Back Pain Prevention:

• When picking up an object, pick up the object by standing directly behind it and bend your knees when lifting. Do not bend over
• Carry objects close to your body
• Strengthen your core muscles and keep them strong