Physical Therapy for Disc Herniations Series (Part 3)
How is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes taking your health history. Your physical therapist will also ask you detailed questions about your injury, such as:
- How and when did the pain start?
- At what time of day is it worse?
- What type of discomfort do you feel, and where do you feel it?
- What can’t you do right now, in your daily life, due to the pain?
Your physical therapist will perform tests on your body to find physical problems, such as:
- Difficulty moving.
- Weakness or tightness in the muscles.
- Loss of skin sensation in some areas (numbness).
- Loss of reflexes.
- Joint stiffness.
- Poor posture.
- Difficulty walking.
If your physical therapist finds any of the above problems, physical therapy treatment may begin right away, to help get you on the road to recovery and back to your normal activities.
If testing identifies more severe problems, your physical therapist may collaborate with a physician or surgeon to obtain special diagnostic testing, such as an MRI. Physical therapists work closely with physicians and other health care providers to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the treatment and care you need.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. If you are struggling with neck or back pain due to a disc injury call the experts at Buffalo Back & Neck Physical Therapy (716-836-2225 / www.buffalobackandneckpt.com) to start feeling better today.
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