Whether you experience the occasional ache in your back, or you deal with recurring chronic back pain, it can make completing everyday tasks extremely difficult. But have you ever stopped to wonder whether your back pain was a sign of a more serious condition?

Strange neck pains, back pains, or extremity symptoms can indicate a variety of potential problems – including one or more herniated discs. The spine is made up of a complex series of individual bones called the vertebrae.

Between each of the vertebrae are cushioning pads that act as shock absorbers, making bending, waling, and generally moving around each day possible without pain. But if these little cushioning discs become injured, the soft center can actually rupture and result in severe pain.

This type of injury is often referred to as a herniated or slipped disc and while there is no cure for the condition, physical therapy can help to manage chronic pain.

Common symptoms of herniated discs:

• Neck pain that stays centered in the back
• Neck spasms affecting the muscles in the neck and shoulder area.
• Pain in the shoulder blade area.
• Pain radiating out from the shoulder, arm, and sometimes traveling down to the hands and fingers.

What’s causing my herniated disc?

• Work-related or overuse injuries
• Improper lifting resulting in sudden strain
• The natural ageing process or degeneration
• Excessive weight gain and obesity

What can I expect with physical therapy?

Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovering from a herniated disc. A physical therapist implements different techniques for pain relief and healing. Passive treatments like deep tissue massage, electric stimulation, and hot and cold therapy are a few examples of passive treatments.