Archive for July, 2008
Physical therapy for herniated disc t5 t6
Posted by: | CommentsOut of the numerous types of diseases and disorders that the human body is exposed to the most damaging and painful disorders of them all are spine injuries or damage. The human spinal column consists of 24 vertebrae and this is sub divided into the cervical spine consisting of seven vertebrae, the thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae and the lumbar spine with five vertebrae. The base bone also called the sacrum is situated at the end of the sacrum in the coccyx.
What is called a disk otherwise known as shock absorbing cushion is situated between each vertebrae pair. The 23 discs which start from the second and third neck vertebrae are named s C2-C3, T5-T6 and L4-L5. in these names the letter ‘C’ denoted cervical, ‘T’ means thoracic and the ‘L’ denotes lumbar and ‘S’ stands for sacrum.
Damages to the disks might happen due to accidents, falls, weak muscles, weak supporting muscles and body mechanics. The discs outer layer tears or breaks open because of these injuries and 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 it is said that the thoracic spine is injured it means that T5 T6 are herniated. The muscles relax when pain killers are administered as medicines for this injury. The best way to cure herniated T5 T6 discs are through physical therapy because there is no real cure through medication however medication can only suppress the pain and symptoms. In severe cases surgery is recommended. Physical exercises and bed rest can provide relief from numbness.
Walking and activities without too much straining can keep the pain at bay. Administering ice pack or hot pack on the affected area atleast 3-4 times a day will relieve muscle tension and pain. Physiotherapy is by far the best treatment that can help with herniated disc disorders. Especially for 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 form of therapy can be easily availed at hospitals, clinics or fitness centers. You need to make sure to get a good physical therapist; you must consider those recommended by friends and family. Health insurance companies and physicians also provide a list of good physiotherapists. You first need to investigate if the therapist is qualified and has the necessary degree. Defective therapy can be dangerous and lead to physical conditions and cause the patient to become immobile. So be cautious when selecting a good physical therapist.
