Slipped disc is one of the most common neck and back pain condition. Other closely related disc condition’s terms used – disc degeneration, disc prolapse, disc bulge, ruptured disc, disc compression, herniated disc, pinched nerve, sciatic, disc disease.
It can happen in any level of the spine. Disc is located between bones of the spine (vertebrae) and function as a shock absorbers.
What is a Slipped Disc?
Slipped disc is a painful medical condition affecting the spine. It occurs when the disc annular fibrous ruptures or gel-like fluid slips out of place and leak out.
Causes of Slipped Disc
- Daily wear and tear of spine
- Sudden injuries or repeated strain
- Poor posture in sitting, carrying heavy things, twisting
Stages of Slipped Disc
Slipped Disc Treatments at Different Stages
1) Disc Degeneration/ Protrusion: Weakening of nucleus pulposus (inner gel like substances)
2) Disc Prolapse: Some inner layers of annular fibrosus are torn, gel starts to seep out
3) Disc Extrusion: Gel like nucleus pulposus breaks through annular fibrosus
4) Disc Sequestration: Nucleus pulposus moves outside the disc and into spinal canal
Symptoms of Slipped Disc:
- May be dull or sharp pain, muscle spasm or cramping, weakness, tingling, or referred pain.
- For neck pain, may radiate to arms. For back pain, may radiate to legs. (Weakness, tingling, pins and needles sensation)
- For worst cases, loss of bladder or bowel control. Unsteady in walking. Difficulty sleeping or awaken by pain. Sexual Dysfunction
How to treat slipped disc?
Physiotherapy is one of the recommended treatments for a slipped disc and can help speed along your recovery as it is able to mobilise the spine back into the correct position.
At Physioclinic, our physiotherapists often work with slipped disc conditions. We strongly believe in treating everyone as a unique individual and draw up the best recovery plan. There are often times when a people believes they have a slipped disc, when it is actually just a back strain.
Common Physiotherapy Treatments for Slipped Disc:
- Traction
- Spinal decompression therapy
- Joint mobilisation
- Pain Relief Treatments: Ultrasound, Electrical Therapy, Radiofrequency
- Core stability back strengthening
By seeking help immediately when you begin to suffer the pain associated with a slipped disc, you have a good chance of recovery. This means you can quickly get back to doing the things you enjoy the most.
Call us now at 96390509 to speak to our physiotherapist about your slipped disc.
