Physical therapy often plays a key role in collapsed disc treatment, mainly because it offers both short- and long-term benefits. First, physical therapy can provide immediate relief from neck or back pain. And second, stretches and exercises can help prevent future pain and injuries by conditioning and strengthening your body, especially the muscles that support your spine.

Both passive and active physical therapy can be used for collapsed disc treatment. Passive treatments are designed to induce relaxation, promote healing and prepare your body for active treatments, which can enhance flexibility, strength, core stability, range of motion and posture. All of these benefits can lead to a better quality of life if you’re dealing with collapsed disc pain.

Common types of physical therapy used in collapsed disc treatment

To address your collapsed disc pain, your physical therapist will take into account your specific diagnosis and health history when developing a customized regimen, which may include:

• Therapeutic massage
• Hot and cold therapy
• Hydrotherapy (whirlpool baths)
• Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Walking
• Water aerobics
• Swimming

Your physical therapist can also provide instructions on self-care principles designed to help you maintain the results of your formal collapsed disc treatment program after you complete it. Regular exercise is essential for everyone — not just those who are prone to neck or back pain, and can help you prevent future health problems by promoting general wellness and enhancing the health of your spine long after you have finished with your physical therapy program.

Surgical collapsed disc treatment

If your collapsed disc causes severe pain that does not improve with physical therapy and other nonsurgical treatments, you may want to contact USA Spine Care to learn about our minimally invasive outpatient surgery. Often a clinically appropriate alternative, our minimally invasive surgery provides many advantages versus open neck or back surgery.^ Our team can provide a free MRI review* to help you determine if you are a candidate.

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