Disc Problems

You may have heard a number of different terms referring to disc problems including slipped disc, prolapsed disc and disc bulge to name but a few. Intervertebral discs are fluid filled sacks that sit between the vertebrae in the spine. It is thought that they can move, bulge or split open which in turn may cause pain and other symptoms.

What causes disc problems?

The intervertebral discs in our back provide shock absorption, aid mobility and evenly distribute pressure. The disc can be compromised for a number of different reasons, including: postural stresses, heavy or frequent lifting, bending or twisting, whole body vibration, history of back pain and the degenerative process. These factors may cause the disc to weaken, dehydrate, bulge or even split, resulting in irritation or impingement of a spinal nerve or in more rare cases problems of the spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of disc problems?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Pain in the upper back or thoracic area
Stiffness
Pins and needles and or numbness
Weakness

Very rarely people experience sexual dysfunction and or bowel/bladder abnormalities. If you are experiencing any of these problems you should seek medical advice immediately.

Physiotherapy treatment for disc problems

Whilst many may associate back problems with Chiropractic or Osteopathic therapy, our specialist physiotherapists are highly trained in this area and physiotherapy treatment can be extremely effective for disc problems. As well as passive treatment, we teach you self-management strategies in the hope of preventing recurrence and to reduce the need for numerous physiotherapy sessions.

Physiotherapy treatment may include: