After you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc by your doctor and therapy has been deemed appropriate, it is important to find a PT experienced in treating this type of condition. Typically, either an orthopedic or a neurologic physical therapist will be well versed in helping patients with this diagnosis.
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What kind of Doctor do you see for a herniated disc?
Jul 12, 2019 · The Herniated Disc Surgery Recovery Timeline: From an Expert Surgeon Dr. Michael Kaiser July 12, 2019 If you have back pain or sciatica due to a herniated disc, there are different treatments to try in order to get relief. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy and exercise.
Can a physical therapist help with a herniated disc?
Aug 03, 2021 · If you have a herniated disc, you may be referred to physical therapy. The therapist will assess your condition and set goals. You will be given exercises to relieve nerve compression and stabilize the spine. Therapy progresses to improving your aerobic condition and flexibility. If surgery is needed, physical therapy may also be done afterward.
When should I see a neurosurgeon for a herniated disc?
Herniated disc surgery is a highly effective treatment for spinal discs conditions. Recovery periods and rates will typically vary depending on the surgery type and the surgeon's competence. Patients are advised to engage the services of a physical therapist to hasten the recovery period.
How long does it take to recover from a herniated disc?
Your doctor or physical therapist can offer general guidelines on how much you can safely do as your recovery advances. Explore Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises Strengthening exercises as you recover from herniated disc surgery should target all of the core muscle groups that directly or indirectly support your spine, not just the ones immediately around the area where your surgery …
Is physical therapy needed after herniated disc surgery?
Physical therapy after back surgery can be essential to your healing and to strengthening the weak back muscles that likely contributed to your initial back pain and disc issues. Most patients find that they quickly become experienced enough with the exercises so that you can safely do them at home.Jul 25, 2014
How long is the recovery time for herniated disc surgery?
Full recovery usually occurs in about 8 weeks, and at that time patients can go about all their normal physical activities with no restrictions. As with any surgery, recovery time depends partially on the individual patient. Patients who have other health problems may take a longer time to recover.
Is rehab required after back surgery?
It often takes months to a year to heal after many of these back surgeries, and a postoperative rehabilitation program that includes stretching, strengthening and conditioning is an important part of any successful spine surgery.
What kind of doctor works on herniated disc?
Herniated discs are quite common and do not always need treatment. Most of the time they can be healed by rest; however, if symptoms persist, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon near you specializing in spine surgery.
Is discectomy major surgery?
Discectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options. Consider getting a second opinion about all your treatment choices before having a discectomy.
How long does it take nerves to heal after discectomy?
It may take up to 8 weeks to get back to doing your usual activities. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your spine and trunk. You will need to learn how to lift, twist, and bend so you don't put too much strain on your back.
What is best physical therapy after back surgery?
Walking Exercise Program Walking is one of the best exercises you can do after a lumbar laminectomy or discectomy surgery. 1 Why? Because walking helps to improve blood flow throughout your body. This helps to bring in oxygen and nutrients to your spinal muscles and tissues as they heal.Feb 24, 2022
When should I start physical therapy after Microdiscectomy?
When to Start Physical Therapy In general, you should expect to start physical therapy 4 to 6 weeks after your lumbar laminectomy or discectomy. If there were any post-operative complications like infection or excessive bleeding, then you may need to wait a bit longer.Oct 26, 2020
How can I strengthen my back after back surgery?
Regular exercise to restore the strength of your back and a gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery after low back surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 10 to 30 minutes, 1 to 3 times a day during your early recovery.
Is herniated disc a disability?
A herniated disc injury may result in a designation of permanent disability and make you eligible for disability benefits from workers' compensation if: The herniation compromises a nerve root or the bundle of nerves that lead out from the spinal cord.
Can a neurologist treat a herniated disc?
If you suffer from a spinal condition such as disc herniation or degeneration, spinal fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or other types of spinal injuries or pain, both a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor are equipped to treat these spinal conditions.Jan 28, 2020
Is herniated disc serious?
A herniated disc is a common spinal disorder, and it typically responds well to conservative treatment like gentle exercise or over-the-counter pain medication. But some ruptured disc symptoms warrant a trip to your doctor to prevent serious—and potentially permanent—nerve complications.
What to do if a herniated disc is causing pain?
When a portion of a spinal disc is irritating a nearby nerve root, it’s referred to as a herniated disc, and initial attempts at relief typically involve specially recommended exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, hot and cold therapy, and other conservative remedies. If such treatments aren’t effective or symptoms are severe, a microdiscectomy may be recommended. During the procedure, part of the affected disc is removed to ease pressure on nearby nerve roots. Trusted Los Angeles spine surgeons from The Spine Institute share some of the steps you’ll want to take following this type of surgery.
Can you resume activities after a microdiscectomy?
You’re not going to be able to resume all activities or jump right back into your normal routine shortly after a microdiscectomy. For instance, if you have a physically demanding job, you’ll likely need to avoid or modify certain activities or use assistive devices like lumbar support belts. Ideally, you should find the right balance with your daily routines and preferred exercises. Your doctor or physical therapist can offer general guidelines on how much you can safely do as your recovery advances.
Can you rest after a spinal fusion?
Getting some rest immediately following a microdiscectomy or any type of spine-related surgery is necessary to let the surgical site heal. However, there’s research suggesting that becoming active again shortly after part of a spinal disc is removed is better than rest alone. Since less invasive techniques are used with a microdiscectomy and there is usually no need for related fusion surgery when the entire disc isn’t removed, it’s often safe to begin a customized exercise routine soon after the procedure is completed. An appropriate level of activity and exercise post-surgery can:
How to heal a herniated disc?
Many people suffer from herniated disks. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done and many success stories from those who have gone through this pain before you. Here are a few things that others have tried to help with the pain of a herniated disk and shorten herniated disc recovery time: 1 Some people hang on an inversion table for 10-15 minutes per day. This helps straighten out the spine. 2 Stretches are a good idea, but only under the supervision of your physical therapist. 3 Injections of steroids and painkillers can help alleviate the pain enough that you can continue with your day-to-day life. However, be careful not to irritate your back. These treatments can make you feel as though you are healed, but you aren’t just yet. 4 Speak to a pain management center about what you can do to help the pain without going through any sort of addiction to painkillers. 5 Physical therapy is always a great resort for those who are suffering from pain.
How long does it take to recover from a herniated disc?
Physical therapy typically begins immediately and you can expect to be back at work within a week. Full recovery typically takes six weeks. 2.
How long does it take to recover from a syringe surgery?
The time it will take to recover from surgery depends upon the type of surgery you had and how significant the work was. This surgery requires four to five days of recovery time in the hospital, plus an additional four to six weeks before you can return to work.
Can you have surgery on a herniated disk?
Having surgery might be considered a last resort for some, but it might also be the only way to truly overcome the pain and inconvenience of a herniated disk. Speak to your doctor about the different types of surgery as well as what to expect during the herniated disk recovery time.
How long does it take for a back to feel better after surgery?
If you opt not to have surgery, you can expect your back to feel better within two years. But you don’t have to suffer from the pain during the recovery time. You can take advantage of an acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic care and injections of medication to help you through.
Can a physical therapist help with back pain?
Stretches are a good idea, but only under the supervision of your physical therapist. Injections of steroids and painkillers can help alleviate the pain enough that you can continue with your day-to-day life. However, be careful not to irritate your back.
How to move without pain?
In many cases, physical therapy is essential to teach you how to move without pain. Speak to a physical therapist about an exercise plan that will strengthen your back while making it easier for you to heal.
What is the best doctor for herniated disc?
Rheumatologists. A good place to start is your primary care doctor. You can find some talking points in Talking With Your Doctor About Herniated Disc. If your own doctor does not have much experience with herniated disc treatment, ask for a referral to another doctor.
What kind of doctor does discectomy?
Doctors who perform discectomy include orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons: Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and conditions of the muscles and bones including the spine. Neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions of the nervous system including the spine.
How long does it take to get a herniated disc removed?
Providers for Surgical Treatment. If your symptoms are severe, and not relieved by nonsurgical treatments within six weeks, you may be a candidate for surgery. The most common type of surgery for herniated discs is to remove the damaged disc. This is called discectomy.
What is the goal of a herniated disc?
Providers for Nonsurgical Treatment. The goal of herniated disc treatment is to relieve your pain and discomfort and increase your mobility. In most cases, doctors recommend nonsurgical treatments to reduce pain and discomfort.
What to do if you have a herniated disc?
Since herniated discs tend to cause compression by pressing on the nearby spinal cord and nerves, surgery is aimed at relieving that pressure by removing a small part of the disc.
How long does it take to recover from back surgery?
After open back surgery, patients first stay in the hospital for 4-5 days. This stay is necessary because the patient is often on a high dose of painkillers, and the wound needs to be redressed carefully to prevent infection. After returning home, patients cannot return to work for 4-6 weeks, or longer if the job is physically strenuous. It may take months to as long as a year to return to full mobility. This is because the large wound and damage to the muscle and bone must heal fully to prevent further injury, and because extended time on painkillers is often necessary.
What is the treatment for a herniated disc?
Recurrent Disc Herniation. A disc herniation is typically treated with non-surgical intervention techniques, like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, chiropractic manipulation and anti-in flammatory medications. Herniated discs usually respond to the treatment, but if they don’t, surgery may be performed.
What is the procedure to remove a herniated disc?
Herniated discs usually respond to the treatment, but if they don’t, surgery may be performed. A common procedure to address a herniated disc is a microdiscectomy, which is an outpatient procedure that removes a portion of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on nearby nerves and structures.
Why is spine surgery so successful?
The surgery can also be successful for a while, only to develop the same problem later in life due to trauma, degeneration or a related issue. This can happen to any structure in our body, but it can affect the spine at an increased rate because of the complexity of the structure and the stress we put on it.
Which vertebrae are the lowest in the lumbar area?
The L4-L5 vertebrae are the lowest in the lumbar area of the spine . They act as a support for the upper torso and enable movement in different directions, along with the rest of the structures that make up the spine.
Can a herniated disc cause pain in the butt?
When the disc in this segment herniates, the patient can suffer pain in the buttocks, legs, or feet. There can be additional symptoms, like muscle weakness when flexing and extending the ankle (which can worsen balance), and also numbness or tingling around the ankle and the affected foot.
How long does it take to get back to work after a herniated disc?
There are several different surgeries for herniated discs, most of which will let you return to work within four weeks.
How long does it take for a herniated disc to heal?
Some herniated discs may take a week to heal, some may take 12 weeks. Don’t rush back to work just because your employer is giving you a hard time. Rest, heal, and then go back to work. Otherwise, the problem will just get worse, and you could end up with severe sciatica pain.