#diskherniation

Herniated Disks are the result of the jelly-like substance between spinal vertebrae rupturing and pushing on the spinal cord. Individuals with herniated disks can experience a range of symptoms from no symptoms to numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the legs or arms. Majority of disk herniations occur in the low back or lumbar spine. They can be caused by a sudden movement or degeneration due to age. Medical treatment for disk herniation includes prescription drugs or cortisone shots paired with rest and ice.

Occupational therapists should be aware of how to work with these injuries. Occupational therapists can work preventatively to reduce the risk of disk injuries by advocating for individuals to engage in exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Obesity and poor posture can lead to increased risk for disk herniations. If an individual does experience a disk herniations, occupational therapists can educate on how to rest and ice the area. Occupational therapists can provide suggestions on how to adapt daily occupations to allow the individual to continue to participate in their daily life. As the individual begins to feel better, the occupational therapist can provide core strengthening exercises and lifestyle modification suggestions to reduce the risk of future herniations.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, March 6). Herniated disk. Retrieved June 3, 2019, from