You lifted a heavy box at work, felt a sharp pain in your lower back, and now you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort that radiates down your leg. Physical therapy for herniated discs could help get you back to your job and normal activities, especially if your therapist specializes in workplace rehabilitation for spine injuries.
JPM Physical Therapy, P.C. offers this type of physical therapy in Queens, NY. Below is more about how physical therapy helps with spinal issues and what to expect.
Why Herniated Discs Happen in the Workplace
The medical profession describes herniated discs as the soft center leaking through a torn or damaged outer layer. Lumbar disc herniation affects approximately 1% to 3% of the global population and commonly affects the lower back after sudden trauma or repetitive strain. Since the gel-like center can affect nerves, your symptoms may include pain, numbness or tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness, or discomfort when bending and making rotating movements.
The highest prevalence of herniated lumbar discs is for ages 30 to 50 years, and males are twice as likely as females to have this condition. Workers who perform repetitive lifting, heavy weight-bearing tasks, or prolonged sitting can face higher risks for disc herniation.
Your Possible Assessment and Treatment Plan With Physical Therapy for a Herniated Disc
After analyzing 4311 participants from 55 randomized controlled trials, one study found that physical therapy after lumbar disc surgery is highly effective in addressing pain, improving function, and restoring quality of life.
Your physical therapist creates a herniated disc recovery plan after taking your complete health history and asking detailed questions about your workplace injury. They want to know how and when the pain started, what type of discomfort you feel, where you feel it, and what daily activities you can no longer perform. For example:
- Stiffness in your spine
- Excessive muscle tightness
- Joint stiffness that limits your range of motion
- Loss of sensation or numbness
- Dulled reflexes
- Abnormal gait patterns
In the first 24 to 48 hours, your therapist may advise you to stay active around the house with short walks to decrease the pain and stiffness. Ice packs help with inflammation, and sitting in firm chairs rather than soft couches supports your spine better. You may begin physical therapy for back injury symptoms right away or undergo diagnostic testing, such as an MRI, but this depends on your injury.
Returning to Work After a Disc Herniation: Building Your Plan
Returning to work after a disc herniation requires careful planning and consistent workplace rehabilitation for spine injuries. It helps to set realistic recovery goals and learn proper body mechanics for performing daily tasks and lifting heavy objects. Your therapist may also analyze your specific job tasks and offer suggestions for reducing your risk of re-injury.
Physical therapy for herniated discs might also extend to ergonomic modifications to your workstation and strategies for managing prolonged sitting or standing. Many people begin feeling better and returning to light activities within four to six weeks. Full recovery may take several months, especially if the herniated disc caused severe pain or nerve damage.
Some Herniated Disc Injury Healing Exercises To Explore
Physical therapy combines passive and active treatments to speed up your recovery. Passive treatments relax your body. The techniques may include manual therapy that releases deep muscle tension or heat therapy that promotes blood flow to the affected area.
Active treatments support your spine by strengthening your core, back, hips, abdomen, and pelvis. Your exercise program may include gentle stretches to improve flexibility, power and agility work, and low-impact walking or swimming sessions that avoid back and neck strain.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies May Include Outpatient Physical Therapy in Queens, NY
An Australian retrospective analysis on therapy costs and returning to work confirmed that physical therapy was largely effective across all patients. Only 11% of patients still sought therapy after 12 months (over 50 sessions), and these people were unlikely to be working. You can see how preventing future disc herniations is helpful in keeping down costs and enhancing your quality of life.
Thinking long-term, it’s important to continue your home exercise program. Outpatient physical therapy in Queens, NY, may also include educational programs that teach you new posture and movement patterns to protect your back and prevent injuries. For instance, you should always bend at your knees rather than your waist, keep loads close to your body, and avoid twisting while lifting.
Get Back to Work With JPM Physical Therapy, P.C.
Physical therapy for herniated discs provides an evidence-based approach to recovering from workplace spine injuries and safely returning to your job. Conservative care may help you to avoid surgery or pain medications, while guiding you on meaningful steps to take after a work injury. An experienced physical therapist can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific injury and workplace demands and supports your recovery.
If you’re ready to start your physical therapy for herniated disc treatment in Queens, NY, you can always call JPM Physical Therapy, P.C. at (516) 689-9921. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy in Queens, NY
Here are answers to common questions about physical therapy treatment for disc injuries.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Take for a Herniated Disc?
Many patients see improvement of herniated disc-related symptoms within four to six weeks of starting physical therapy. A full recovery may take several months.
Can Physical Therapy Fix a Herniated Disc Without Surgery?
Yes, physical therapy can often effectively treat a herniated disc without surgery. The techniques reduce pain, improve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and teach proper body mechanics.
What Exercises Should You Avoid With a Herniated Disc?
Typically, herniated discs worsen with movements like excessive twisting, bending, or heavy lifting.
Is Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Yes, New York insurers will often cover physical therapy for herniated discs under workers’ compensation. When the injury occurs during work-related activities, your employer is responsible for ensuring you have adequate treatment.