July 12, 2008
Why physical therapy for herniated disc t5 t6?
Out 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.
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 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.
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.
With proper physical therapy the unstable segment and neutral zone can be controlled. This therapy helps in increasing mobility and allows the patient to walk, climb stairs etc freely. It can improve physical function and prevent disability and give balance to the affected area. The therapy must be concentrated 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 good physical therapist, especially consider those recommended by friends and family. Health insurance companies and physicians are also a good source of information that will help find a good therapist. You need to check if the therapist is qualified for job and has the necessary qualifications. Defective therapy is dangerous and can lead to physical conditions and cause the patient to become immobile. So be careful when selecting a good physical therapist
Filed under Health and Beauty by Ryan Beartoes









