Struggling with Lower Back Injuries? Find Relief Today

Treating Lower Back Injuries

Back pain, sprains, and strains can be effectively managed with chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy. Each approach offers unique benefits that contribute to pain relief and overall healing.

Physical Therapy for Lower Back Injuries

Physical therapy techniques, such as stretching exercises and targeted strengthening routines, enhance flexibility and improve the overall function of the back muscles. Strengthening the supporting muscles helps prevent future injuries and provides long-term relief.

Massage Therapy for Lumbar Strain

Massage therapy helps relax tight muscles, increase blood circulation, and alleviate discomfort. By loosening tense tissues and improving blood flow, massage therapy can reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.

By combining these therapies, individuals can find comprehensive and holistic solutions to their back-related issues, promoting healing, reducing pain, and enhancing overall well-being.

Lumbar Herniated Disc: Causes & Treatment Approaches

A lumbar herniated disc, commonly known as a “slipped disc” or “pinched nerve,” occurs when the disc between two vertebrae bulges or ruptures, pressing on a nearby nerve. This condition often causes numbness, tingling, and radiating pain down the legs, potentially leading to muscle weakness and dysfunction if left untreated.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also known as a bulging disc or slipped disc, is a condition where the soft cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine rupture or bulge out of place. These discs act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine. When a disc herniates or bulges, the inner gel-like material of the disc protrudes through the outer layer, which can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain and other symptoms.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

A herniated or bulging disc can occur due to factors such as age-related wear and tear, spinal injury, or excessive strain on the spine.

Symptoms 

Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area, which can vary depending on the location of the herniation along the spine. The recommended treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact on daily life. Consulting a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan is essential.

Treatment Options: Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments focus on realigning the spine, which can help relieve pressure on the affected discs and reduce pain. Stress is placed on the spine when a spinal column is out of alignment. A chiropractor can palpate the misalignment area and perform certain adjustments to restore function and movement, thereby relieving pressure on the discs.

Chiropractic Techniques for Herniated Discs:

• Spinal Manipulation: This technique involves applying controlled force to spinal joints to improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. At this facility, we use techniques specific to the patient’s needs. Not all patients require a “crack.” Spinal manipulation can be performed without force, creating a popping/clicking sound.
• Flexion-Distraction Technique: This method involves a specialized table that allows for gentle stretching/traction of the spine, helping to relieve pressure on the herniated disc. Our NYC chiropractic team uses Eurotech flexion distraction tables in our treatment rooms.
• Mobilization: Gentle movements improve the range of motion in the spine and reduce stiffness without high-velocity thrusts.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and stabilize the spine. Our physical therapy team can also assist with this if necessary.
• Ice and Heat Therapy: Our NYC Chiropractors often recommend using ice or heat to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Postural Training: Education on proper posture and body mechanics can help prevent further injury and promote healing.
• Soft Tissue Techniques: Active Release Technique and myofascial release techniques can help alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation in the affected area.
• Electrical Stimulation and Ultrasound Therapy: Some chiropractors use modalities like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to manage pain.

How Can Acupuncture Help a Herniated Disc?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. This stimulates the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals and encourages circulation, facilitating the body’s natural healing processes.

Acupuncture Techniques for Herniated Discs:

• Local Points: Needles may be inserted near the affected area to target pain and inflammation directly. Points along the bladder and gallbladder meridians are often utilized.
• Distal Points: Points on the arms and legs may be stimulated to help relieve pain and promote overall healing. Common distal points include LI4 (Hegu) and PC6 (Neiguan).
• Electroacupuncture: This involves attaching a small electrical current to the acupuncture needles, which can enhance pain relief and stimulate muscle relaxation.
• Scalp Acupuncture: This technique involves needling specific points on the scalp that correspond to spinal health and can help alleviate pain and improve function.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Needles may be inserted into specific muscle knots or trigger points that can contribute to referred pain related to the herniated disc.
• Moxibustion: This involves burning mugwort near the acupuncture points to provide warmth and improve circulation, aiding healing.
• Cupping Therapy: Though not acupuncture, cupping can be used with acupuncture to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area.
• Manual Techniques: Some practitioners may combine acupuncture with gentle manipulation or stretching of the spine to enhance the treatment’s effects.

How Can Physical Therapy Help a Herniated Disc?

Physical therapy is crucial in strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving posture, and enhancing flexibility, which can alleviate discomfort and provide long-term relief.

Physical Therapy Techniques for Herniated Discs:

Therapeutic Exercises:

• Strengthening Exercises: Focus on core muscles to support the spine.
• Flexibility Exercises: Improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.

Manual Therapy:

• Mobilization Techniques: Gentle movements to improve joint function and relieve pain.
• Traction: Using mechanical devices or manual methods to relieve pressure on the nerve roots and discs.

Electrical Modalities:

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Helps manage pain through electrical impulses.
• Ultrasound Therapy: Uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Heat and Cold Therapy:

• Applying heat to relax muscles and improve circulation.
• Applying cold to reduce inflammation and numb pain.

Posture and Body Mechanics Training:

• Educating patients on proper posture and movement techniques to prevent further injury.

Ergonomic Training:

• Recommendations for workspace modifications to minimize strain on the back.

Education and Self-Management:

• Teaching patients about their condition, pain management strategies, and lifestyle changes.

How Can Massage Help a Herniated Disc?

Targeted massage techniques can relax tense muscles, improve blood flow, and promote the release of endorphins, assisting in pain management and enhancing overall well-being. In the treatment of herniated discs, massage combined with physical therapy or chiropractic is advised.

Massage Therapy Techniques for Herniated Discs:

• Swedish Massage: Uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and improve circulation. It can help alleviate muscle tension around the affected area.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Targets deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It can help release chronic muscle tension and improve mobility but should be used cautiously around the injury.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Focuses on specific tight areas within muscles that can refer pain to other areas.
• Myofascial Release: Relieves restrictions in the fascia, improving overall mobility and reducing pain.
• Positional Release Therapy: Involves placing the body in a position that relaxes the muscle and reduces pain.
• Gentle Stretching: Helps increase flexibility and reduce tension in surrounding muscles.
• Lymphatic Drainage: May help reduce swelling and improve circulation if inflammation surrounds the herniated disc.
• Heat Therapy: Applying heat before or during massage can relax muscles and improve blood flow, making the massage more effective.
• Cold Therapy: Using cold packs after massage can help reduce inflammation and numb pain in the acute phase.