Slipped Disc

Home Physio specializes in diagnosing and carefully treating Slipped Disc while making sure each patient is fully informed throughout the process. Serving the Central, West & North London , Home Physio is known for delivering outstanding results while helping you minimize your personal investment and creating a suitable treatment plan for your needs.

Home / Conditions / Slipped Disc

What is a Disc Prolapse

A disc prolapsed is often referred to as a slipped disc, however please do not worry as your disc cannot “slip” anywhere. Think of your discs as shock absorbers between the vertebrae of your spine. What actually occurs, is the thick gel-like nucleus in the middle of the disc bulges out through a tiny fault in the fibrous disc wall. This small bulge of nucleus can therefore irritate and compress the nerve root causing pain, which may radiate down the leg. There are different types and severities of disc prolapse, which can be seen in the diagram below.

What causes a disc prolapse?

Generally a disc prolapsed will occur if there is already a weakness in the fibrous wall of the disc, which often only requires a small amount of pressure to be placed on the spine for a prolapse to occur. For example:

lifting a heavy object in an awkward way
direct injury such as a fall or a whiplash accident
bending forward
moving awkwardly
coughing or sneezing

What are the symptoms of a Slipped Disc?

Disc prolapses typically present with:

acute low back pain
leg pain / sciatica
muscle spasm
shifting of the pelvis and back
numbness and/ or pins and needles
weakness in the lower leg or foot

Pain is often aggravated when:

sitting
bending
lifting
coughing and sneezing

Pain often eases:

Pain often eases when lying down, particularly on the non-painful side. The back pain and leg pain is often less in the morning after a nights rest.

Diagnosis of a disc Prolapse

Both doctors and physiotherapists are able to assess and diagnose a disc prolapsed. During a consultation, a physiotherapist is able gain an understanding from your symptoms, work and social history, medical history and then a physical assessment. Depending on your symptoms it maybe necessary to refer for an MRI or for a consultation with a surgical specialist. If this is required your physiotherapist will discuss this thoroughly with you.

Physiotherapy treatment for a disc prolapse

Physiotherapy treatment for disc prolapses is very effective and aims to reduce pain, stiffness and muscle spasm, as well as sciatic leg pain. Once your disc prolapsed symptoms have been reduced your physiotherapist will help to improve your muscle strength and flexibility. Your physiotherapist at Edinburgh Sports & Spinal will develop an individually tailored exercise plan, which will help relieve pain, keep you strong and flexible and help prevent any further problems being caused to your back. In the acute phase, physiotherapy treatment will involve being given plenty of advice on how to modify activity, how to reduce pain, as well as guidance on the use of painkillers. As the acute episode settles, physiotherapy treatment for disc prolapse may include:

soft tissue massage
joint mobilisation
extension exercises to relieve nerve root irritation and pain
lower back exercises and techniques to help restore normal pain-free mobility and stability of the spine
acupuncture
electrical stimulation such as TENS to help with pain
postural advice
strengthening exercises to help reduce the recurrence of another disc prolapse

Your physiotherapist at HomeVisitPhysiotherapy y will provide specialist support through your exercise program, ensuring correct posture and strengthening the core stabilising muscles and lower back muscles in a safe and effective way. Our ultimate aim is to reduce your pain, allow you to return to work and sporting activities as soon as possible.