Physical therapy for herniated disc t5 t6
Out of the many diseases and disorders that infiltrate the human body the most damaging and painful of them all are spine injuries or accidental damage. The spinal column (human) is composed of 24 vertebrae which is subdivided into the cervical spine consisting of seven vertebrae, the thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae and the lumbar spine has five vertebrae. The base of the bone also called the sacrum is situated at the end of the sacrum in the coccyx.
The shock absorbing cushion also referred to as the discs is between each vertebra pair. In the beginning there are 23 discs which start from the second and third neck vertebrae and are called C2-C3, T5-T6 and L4-L5 the letter ‘C’ stand for ‘Cervical’, ‘T’ Stands for ‘Thoracic’, ‘L’ stands for ‘Lumbar’ and ‘S’ for ‘Sacrum’.
Accidents, falls, weak muscles, weak supporting muscles and body mechanics can cause damage to these discs. The outer layer of the disc breaks open and causes disc herniation otherwise known as subligamentous.
Herniated disc occurs generally in the lower back or lumbar spine, and sometimes it affects the cervical and upper back spine called thoracic spine too. Herniated disks pressurize the nerve roots and hence cause a lot of pain and numbness in the affected area. The gel like substance inside the disc comes out and breaks the disc. Herniated disc disorders cannot be identified in normal x-rays so MRI or CT scan is required.
When the T5 and T6 are herniated it means that the disorder or injury is done to the thoracic spine. The muscles are relaxed when pain killers are administered as medicines for this injury. Physical therapy is the only way to treat the herniated T5 T6 discs as there is no real medicine that can cure this injury it can only suppress the pain and symptoms. In severe cases surgery is required but not always. Physical exercises and bed rest can give relief from numbness.
Activities like walking and less strenuous activities can keep the pain away. Using an ice pack or a hot pack on the affected region 3-4 times a day will provide relief to muscle tension and pain. The best way to recover from herniated disc disorders is to seek physiotherapy. Especially in the case of T5 T6 disorders or injuries are very unbearable but it can be treated.
Proper physical therapy helps in controlling the unstable segment and neutral zone. Physiotherapy helps in increasing mobility in the patient and also allows the patient to start walking and climbing stairs etc freely. It improves physical response and prevents disability and also gives balance to the affected area. The therapy must be focuses around the muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves etc.
This therapy can be received in hospitals or out patient clinics and fitness centers. A good and experienced physical therapist should be chosen and it is always good to choose someone recommended by friends or relatives. Health insurance companies and family physicians also might suggest good therapists who might do the best therapy for you. Check to find out if he is properly qualified for the job and if he has the necessary certification. Faulty therapy can lead to dangerous physical conditions and make the patient immobile. So care should be taken while selecting the best physical therapist.