Feb. 12, 2009
My Philosophy of Herniated Disc Treatment
My Personal Rehabilitation Philosophy
I believe that disc rehabilitation needs to focus on two main goals:
- Centering the nucleus
- Restoring the moisture content of the disc
The Do's:
- Gentle mobilization (disc hydrating) techniques are imperative and should be performed as frequently as possible throughout the day, everyday
- Gentle stretching can be helpful especially for applying a reverse compressive load
- Apply gentle decompression techniques frequently throughout the day, everyday
The Don'ts:
I maintain that gentle rehabilitation techniques should be utilized at all times, therefore:
- Forceful twisting motions should never be applied
- Sudden, high velocity motions should never be applied
- Weight bearing exercises or any similar strenuous activity that increases compression loading on the disc should be avoided until the annulus has been fully restored to a healthy state. The time frame for this will vary with the individual
With all of the above, be sure to check with your doctor or physical therapist before proceeding on your own. There may be extenuating circumstances that will require you to modify your particular home exercise program.
In most instances, you can rebuild your herniated discs with a home exercise program, but enlisting your doctor or a well-trained physical therapist to help you monitor the situation -- and advise you along the way -- may just mean the difference between success and failure.
Yes, it is possible to go it on your own. But why not make a little extra investment and, thereby, stack the odds in your favor?
Until next time,
Dean
About the Author
Dean Moyer is the author of the books, Rebuild Your Back, Rebuild Your Neck and The Pain Relief Manual. Copies of his books are available exclusively through this website. Read more...
 Rebuild Your Back Second Edition |
 Rebuild Your Neck |
 The Pain Relief Manual |
Table of Contents for this series:
- What Causes Herniated Discs?
- The First Step in Repairing Herniated Discs
- Compression Loading and Herniated Discs
- Twisting and the Herniated Disc
- My Philosophy of Rehabilitation
Last Updated: Feb. 12, 2009
