Herniated Disc (also known as a prolapsed or slipped disc) is a condition that occurs when the disc between two vertebrae in your spine slips out of place.
The discs protect the bones by absorbing the shocks from daily activities like walking, lifting, and twisting. A herniated disc occurs when a portion of one of these discs slips out from its normal place between two vertebrae, causing pressure on nerves and other structures in or around it.
You can have a herniated disc in any part of your spine, from your neck to your lower back. The lower back is one of the more common areas for herniated discs.
It is a common occurrence in the age of desk jobs. Most common in people who spend long periods of time sitting at desks or driving for long periods of time. It is also more prevalent in people who are overweight or obese as it can place pressure on internal organs and cause them to be squeezed together. It’s a condition that can cause serious health issues, like pain and reduced mobility.
It can also be caused by a sudden movement or a fall, but it can also occur after years of repetitive motion, such as long hours at work or during sports.
When one of the discs in the spine slips out of place and rubs against another. It can cause pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the back, neck, arm, leg, or foot. The symptoms vary depending on where it happens and how much pressure it puts on your nerves.
As you get older, you are more likely to experience a herniated disc. This is because your discs begin to lose some of their protective water content as you age. As a result, they can slip more easily out of place. They are more common in men than women.
How can our physiotherapist help with herniated discs?
Our physiotherapists are trained in different areas such as manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrotherapy and sports rehabilitation. They may give you passive treatments such as:
- Stretching and strengthening exercise your back while reducing your pain
- Ice and heat
- Electrical stimulation