Physical Therapy in Elmwood Park, NJ

Having a disc herniation can be very frustrating to deal with. This type of back pain can cause problems with all aspects of life, from work to sleep. If you live in the Elmwood Park, NJ, area and have been struggling with a disc herniation, Pro Staff Physical Therapy is here to help. We have a convenient location close to town in Passaic, NJ.

The Pro Staff Physical Therapy team believes in treating back pain at the source. We are committed to our patients beyond the initial symptoms and conditions. We believe that all our patients can recover no matter the diagnosis or how long your back pain has been going on.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Each level of the spine has discs that help cushion the spinal joints. Each part of the inner disc is made of soft material to provide extra support for the spine. Sometimes these discs can be damaged, and the inner material can protrude into the space where the nerves leave the spinal cord, causing a disc herniation. This can cause pain at the source of the protrusion and along the pathway of the nerve that is being affected.

There isn’t one specific thing that usually causes a disc herniation but rather an accumulation of stress to the disc over time. Disc herniations can happen anywhere within the spine but primarily affect the lower portion of the spine. Because there are many joints, muscles, and nerves around the back, it is essential to identify what is causing your pain and treat the deeper issue.

When working with a physical therapist, you will be able to identify the specific reason your back pain has occurred. You will also be able to develop exercises to help prevent it from happening again.

Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

• Aching, sharp, or shooting pain in the low back and down the leg
• Decreased mobility in the lumbar spine
• Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting
• Stiffness throughout the lower back and hip
• Numbness or tingling down the leg into the foot

How to Treat a Herniated Disc

Disc herniations are addressed by first decreasing the radiating pain. This will be focused on giving your nerve the space it needs to perform its job and heal. Your physical therapist will work with you on specific exercises and perform manual therapy to decrease any symptoms you may have.

Your physical therapist will also help you understand why this pain occurs based on your specific back injury to help improve your symptoms. Every back is different so it is important to have a skilled physical therapist evaluate and treat any symptoms you may be having. The physical therapists at Pro Staff are experts in treating disc herniations and will help you get back to your usual self.

What to Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Appointment

With disc herniations, it is important to start to work on calming down your symptoms. When you first meet with your physical therapist, they will evaluate your symptoms and ensure you get treatment on the first day. The first day of treatment will be focused on decreasing your pain and helping you understand why that pain has occurred in the first place.

Get Started Today

The Pro Staff Physical Therapy team is committed to helping you with your back pain. We are committed to assisting Elmwood Park residents with any injury you may have. So, if you live or work in the Elmwood Park area, contact our Passaic office at 973-473-5600 to schedule an appointment today.