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Ouch-Herniated-Discs-Could-Be-Causing-Your-Back-Pain
Ouch! Herniated Discs Could Be Causing Your Back Pain!

The spine is such a complex part of the body that it is not uncommon for pain to occur from time to time. The spine contains 24 bones. Of those bones, 5 of them are located in the lower back. In addition to these bones, the spine also contains several nerves and intervertebral discs. Back Pain can sometimes be the result of an underlying problem, such as a herniated disc. One of the earliest signs of a herniated disc is lower back discomfort, which can range from mild to severe. You might also have weakness, numbness in the legs, or severe and shooting sensations. Patients have also reported losing bladder control as a result of a herniated disc in certain extreme situations.

When the jelly-like nucleus of an intervertebral disc protrudes, it is called a herniated disc. This occurs when the disc’s cell wall isn’t strong enough to keep the nucleus in place, allowing it to push through the outer ring and bulge. A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine, although the lower back is the most typical location. If you’re having back pain and suspect it might be due to a herniated disc, call our office right away to see how we can assist.

How does a herniated disc form?

Herniated discs are most commonly associated with aging, as the spine wears down and becomes more brittle. “Disc degeneration” is the term for this condition. When we’re young, the water content of the discs in our spine is high, but as we become older, the water content declines. The CDs will shrink as a result of this.

As a result, the older we get, the more likely we are to get disc degeneration. Other variables that can increase your chance of a herniated disc include:

  • Being between the ages of 20-50.
  • Being male.
  • Engaging in improper lifting techniques.
  • Engaging in a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Driving often.
  • Being overweight.

Signs and symptoms of a herniated disc

If you suspect you have a herniated disc, make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will do a physical exam to check muscle strength, as well as perform a neurological exam, to determine if your disc is herniated.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis if your doctor suspects your disc is herniated. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have a herniated disc in your lower back thanks to this scan.

If the disc is putting pressure on the spine, it can be detected. Your doctor will then provide you with a treatment plan, and will likely recommend physical therapy for pain relief.

How does a physical therapist help relieve herniated disc pain?

Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that specifically targets your individual needs. This will begin with passive treatments to ease your pain and improve your function, including manual therapy, traction, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or hydrotherapy.

Active treatments will begin once your passive treatments are complete. This may include core exercises to strengthen your back, stretching and flexibility exercises to increase range of motion, and any additional muscle strengthening exercises that your physical therapist deems fit. In addition to these exercises, your physical therapist will advise you on any lifestyle changes he or she may recommend, in order to decrease your risk of future pain and injury.

You don’t have to struggle alone anymore

Our physical therapy office has the best resources and procedures for assisting you in recovering and resuming your life. Look no further if you’re looking for a natural, safe, and non-invasive solution to treat your herniated discs. Call us right now to get started on the road to recovery!

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5-Reasons-Physical-Therapy-May-Change-Your-Life
5 Reasons Physical Therapy May Change Your Life

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, almost 100 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain. So, if you’ve been suffering from chronic pain for three months or longer, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, this means that people’s reliance on prescription pharmaceuticals is increasing all the time. In 2013, doctors in the United States prescribed about a quarter of a billion opioid prescriptions or roughly one bottle per person. The opioid crisis we’re all too aware of today results from this need for pain-management medicines. When taken in significant doses or for long periods, opioids are both hazardous and addicting. As a result, many people in the United States are looking for safer pain management options which can be physical therapy.

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, natural, and safe method of treating chronic pain. Contact us at Dubuque Physical Therapy in Dubuque, IA today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you find relief without using dangerous painkillers!

What benefits does PT offer?

Our physical therapists are mobility specialists who are ready to help you with your chronic pain symptoms. They will design a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs in order to give you the most effective passive and active physical therapy treatments for your ailment.

Physical therapy has numerous advantages; nevertheless, the following are the top five:

1. Relief that targets the source of the pain.

Physical therapy’s success is due in part to the fact that it goes to the root of the problem rather than simply hiding it. Pills may be simpler to swallow for pain relief, but their effectiveness is fleeting. With most drugs, the effects only last 12 to 24 hours, so you’ll have to keep popping tablets if you want to keep feeling better. It essentially hides the discomfort while failing to address the underlying issue.

Fortunately, physical therapy does. Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation at your initial appointment to determine where the chronic pain is stemming from and what the best treatments for it will be. Physical therapy gets to the root of the problem to provide long-term relief, whereas medication only works in the short term.

2. It offers safe and non-invasive treatments.

Massage, ultrasound, joint mobilization, electrical nerve stimulation, and diathermy are popular therapies provided by physical therapists. These are all-natural remedies with a low chance of adverse effects, especially when compared to conventional pain-relieving options like surgery and drugs.

3. Better overall physical function.

Physical therapy can be a rather enjoyable experience that might motivate you to take a more active role in your pain treatment! Your therapy sessions can run anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, giving you the opportunity to work closely with your therapist to reach your goals. Physical therapy is the only natural, risk-free, and active approach to pain alleviation that has long-term results.

4. We’ll provide research-backed treatment methods.

Physical therapy’s effectiveness has been demonstrated in a variety of ways, including thorough research and rigorous investigation. These studies have offered solid data in support of physical therapy treatments, demonstrating how they can effectively treat a wide range of pain-related illnesses.

5. A personalized treatment plan.

In addition to your passive treatments, your physical therapist will create an active exercise plan for you that is specifically tailored to your recovery process. Physical activity can help in reducing your pain significantly, in addition to reducing swelling, improving range of motion, promoting healing, and increasing overall strength and endurance.

Are you interested in learning more about physical therapy? Call us!

If you’re tired of living with pain and discomfort, you’re not alone. By looking for a natural way to treat your pain, you’re already well on your way to finding the relief you deserve!

Call Dubuque Physical Therapy in Dubuque, IA today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled therapists. We can help you get the treatment you need so you can live a pain-free life without the risks of opioids!

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Shrug-Off-Shoulder-Pain-Through-Physical-Therapy-Treatment
Shrug Off Shoulder Pain Through Physical Therapy Treatment

Did you know that your shoulders are the most moveable and flexible joints in your body? They’re made up of a variety of muscles, tendons, and bones, and they’re pretty complicated structures! Your shoulders are what allow you to move around and complete many of your responsibilities during the day. They are capable of a great deal, but they are also extremely vulnerable to injury. If you’ve been suffering from shoulder pain, our physical therapy services can help you discover natural relief.

Call Dubuque Physical Therapy in Dubuque, IA to discover more about how we can help you go back to your normal life without shoulder pain!

Common causes of shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of underlying factors. A sudden injury or damage to the shoulders, for example, can make them uncomfortable. Repetitive activities can also create shoulder pain by overworking your muscles, joints, and tendons.

Physical therapy can help with a variety of issues that may be causing the pain or discomfort you’re experiencing in your shoulder. The following are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

  • Frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a painful ailment that develops after prolonged periods of immobility, such as being in a sling or cast following an injury. Over time, this condition will deteriorate, causing discomfort and stiffness. Physical therapy can help provide relief while you are recovering. It usually corrects itself after a number of years. It may also aid to hasten the healing process.
  • Torn cartilage. When cartilage tears, you may experience a number of painful symptoms. You may experience decreased strength and a limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. You may also experience pain when moving your arm in certain ways. If you are suffering from torn cartilage, physical therapy can provide relief.
  • Tendonitis. Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. It can appear in several parts of the body, and colloquial terms such as “tennis elbow,” “swimmer’s shoulder,” and “jumper’s knee” are usually used to describe it. A physical therapist can treat different types of tendonitis and relieve the inflamed area.
  • Arthritis. Arthritis is a painful and stiffening joint disease. There are various forms of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most frequent. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between your bones breaks down, causing the bones to rub together. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by swollen and inflamed joints. Physical therapy can help with pain alleviation and movement for both of these diseases.
  • Bursitis. Bursitis is a type of joint inflammation that affects the fluid-filled sacs that surround the bones, muscles, and tendons. It frequently happens in body parts that are subjected to repetitive activities. You may feel stiff or achy in the affected area, which may also become red or inflamed if you have bursitis. Physical therapy can help with the inflammation as well as the pain you’re experiencing.
  • Sprains and strains. When a ligament is strained or torn, it is called a sprain. When a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn, it is called a strain. Strains and sprains can cause persistent shoulder pain, making it difficult to exercise or perform regular duties. If the strain or sprain is minimal, it may be treated at home with ice and rest. Physical therapy is typically required for more serious strains and sprains.

How can a physical therapist help with shoulder pain?

Two of the biggest goals of physical therapy are 1) to alleviate your pain and 2) to improve your function. Your physical therapist will work with you to make sure that both of these are achieved throughout your physical therapy sessions.

Physical therapy for shoulder pain focuses primarily on giving you much needed pain relief using modalities, manual therapy, modalities, exercises, and at-home treatments. Your physical therapist’s ultimate goal is to restore mobility and range of motion to the affected shoulder.

He or she will design a treatment plan specifically for you, which will include targeted stretches and exercises. It may also include any additional methods or modalities that your physical therapist deems fit, including ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, ultrasound, aquatic therapy, or electrical nerve stimulation.

Get rid of your shoulder pain today!

There’s no reason you need to risk the harmful effects of over-the-counter medication or spend a ton of money on an expensive surgery to gain relief from shoulder pain. Call Dubuque Physical Therapy in Dubuque, IA today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for shoulder pain, and begin your journey toward living a pain-free life!

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