A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc (called the nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the outer disc wall (the annulus fibrosus). This can lead to pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.

Herniated disc most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also happen in the neck (cervical spine). When a disc herniates, it can affect the surrounding nerves, leading to various neurological symptoms depending on the location of the herniation.

What are the Causes?

A herniated disc can be caused by several factors, including:

• Aging: As we age, the spinal discs naturally lose moisture and flexibility, making them more prone to damage.
• Wear and tear: Over time, the repetitive strain on the spine can cause the discs to weaken and eventually rupture.
• Injury: A sudden injury, such as lifting a heavy object improperly or a traumatic fall, can cause a herniated disc.
• Poor posture: Prolonged poor posture or improper body mechanics can lead to stress on the spine and increase the risk of disc herniation.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the spine, particularly the lower back, making it more vulnerable to disc herniation.
• Genetics: A family history of herniated discs may increase your risk of developing the condition.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the location of the herniation and whether it is pressing on nearby nerves. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: A herniated disc can cause localized pain in the neck or back. If the disc presses on a nerve, the pain can radiate down the arms or legs.
• Numbness or tingling: Compression of nerves from a herniated disc can lead to sensations of numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling in the limbs.
• Weakness: You may experience muscle weakness in the affected area, making it difficult to move or perform normal activities.
• Loss of reflexes: Nerve compression can also affect reflexes, leading to reduced or absent reflexes in the arms or legs.
• Sciatica: If the herniation occurs in the lumbar spine and presses on the sciatic nerve, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

In severe cases, if the herniated disc compresses important nerves, it may cause more significant issues, such as difficulty walking or bladder and bowel control problems. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

How Can Physiotherapy Help with Herniated Disc?

Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for managing and rehabilitating a herniated disc. At Fit and Fine Rehab, our physiotherapists use a range of techniques to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve spinal mobility:

• Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve the mobility of the spine and surrounding muscles.
• Postural correction: Guidance on maintaining proper posture to reduce stress on the spine and prevent further injury.
• Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can provide better support and alleviate pressure on the herniated disc.
• Stretching and flexibility exercises: To improve the flexibility of the spine and muscles, reducing stiffness and discomfort.
• Core stabilization exercises: Strengthening the core muscles (abdomen, back, and pelvis) can help improve overall spinal support and reduce the risk of future herniations.
• Pain management techniques: Use of modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation (TENS) to help manage pain and inflammation.
• Education on body mechanics: Teaching safe lifting techniques, movement patterns, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the spine during everyday activities.