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 hurt. 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’.

Hurts 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.

When this condition occurs in the lower back or lumbar spine region, it sometimes affects the cervical and upper back called the thoracic spine too. It applies pressure to the nerve roots this causes lots of pain and numbness to the patient in the affected area. The gel like substance oozes out of the discs once the disc is cracked. Normal methods of x-rays are unable to detect the disorder so MRI or CT scans are used in place.

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 but medication can only suppress the pain and symptoms. In severe cases surgery is recommended. Physical exercises and bed rest can provide 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 type of therapy can be availed at hospitals or out patient clinics or fitness centers. You need to get a excellent physical therapist, especially consider those recommended by friends and family. Health insurance companies and physicians are also a excellent source of information that will help find a excellent therapist. You need to check if the therapist is qualified for job and has the necessary qualifications. Defective therapy is perilous and can lead to physical conditions and cause the patient to become immobile. So be careful when selecting a excellent physical therapist

Tags: Health