What is a slipped disc?
According to the NHS definition, a slipped disc is “when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out. It’s painful if it presses on nerves.” All 23 spinal discs are the same – with a stronger fibrous outer part around the softer jelly-like part in the centre named the ‘nucleus pulposus’. The disc acts as a shock absorber, but over time, this shock absorbing quality reduces as the disc wears due to fluid loss. Then, if under heavy strain, the disc can start to be pushed out of shape and bulge or prolapse. In this blog we will explain more about a slipped disc and how osteopathy for a slipped disc helps.
How common is a slipped disc?
Fewer than 1 in 20 cases of sudden-onset (acute) back pain are due to a ‘slipped’ (prolapsed) disc.
The most common age to develop a prolapsed disc is between 30 and 50 years. Twice as many men as women are affected. A slipped disc is rare in anyone under 20 years of age.
Causes of a slipped disc
Factors that may increase the risk of developing a prolapsed disc include:
- A job involving lots of repeated lifting.
- Sedentary work (especially driving).
- Strenuous physical activity.
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Ageing
- Genetics – some hereditary conditions may be linked to wear and tear of the discs.
Symptoms of a slipped disc
Some people do not have symptoms, perhaps because the prolapsed disc does not put pressure on a nerve.
Otherwise, the first symptom of a slipped disc is sudden, severe lower back pain. The disc often then presses on a nerve root which can cause pain, tingling or numbness in a leg. With a prolapsed disc, the sciatic nerve is often the most affected nerve. This nerve is made up from several smaller nerves that come from the spinal cord in the lower back. It runs deep inside the buttock and down the back of the leg.
Most slipped discs occur in the lower back (the lumbar spine). The size of the prolapse can vary. Usually, the larger the prolapse, the more severe the symptoms are likely to feel.
The pain of a slipped disc is usually eased by laying still and often worsens if you move your back, cough or sneeze.
Other symptoms include:
- lower back pain
- numbness or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet
- neck pain
- problems bending or straightening your back
- muscle weakness
- pain in the buttocks, hips or legs if the disc is pressing on the sciatic nerve (sciatica)
Osteopathy for a slipped disc
A severe prolapse can press on the spinal cord and cause compression which necessitates urgent medical attention. Osteopaths are trained to recognise when this is the case, and act accordingly – referring to a medical practitioner as appropriate. In these cases it can be difficult to stand, sit, walk, sneeze, cough or have a bowel movement.
Whatever the severity of the condition, the disc has suffered physical damage which will take time to resolve and repair. Osteopaths work to speed and support this repair by assessing why the particular disc was affected (due to earlier trauma, or excessive wear and tear for example). Osteopathic treatment will ensure that the position of the spine is optimal to enable healing and ease the protective spasm around the affected area.
To support rehabilitation, your osteopath will offer advice about posture, exercise and the use of hot or cold packs.
Osteopathic treatment works alongside the traditional medical approach to a slipped disc to bring relief from pain and resolve the slipped disc more quickly. Your osteopath will refer you back to your GP or on to a specialist if the problem persists or worsens.
Book your osteopathy appointment now
The good news is that osteopathy for a slipped disc is an effective treatment option and will speed recovery. Our team can help you get back to your pain-free life as fast as possible. It couldn’t be easier to book your appointment with Osteo & Physio! Book a session via our app, website or call our friendly reception team on 0345 5577788
