Disc Injury

I am sure many people have heard someone say “I blew my back out” or “I slipped a disc” but what does that actually mean? Why and how can it happen? Did you know that physiotherapy should be a first line treatment option?

And NO, we do NOT need an x-ray to start treating this condition! 

In our backs, between the different levels of the spine, we have discs for shock absorption. A “herniated disc” causes inflammation in the disc which pushes on a nerve at that level of the spine. Compression on the nerve will lead to pain, muscle weakness and changes in sensation down the pathway that the nerve runs. Most often with disc injuries we will see the sciatic nerve is affected. 

A textbook patient with a herniated disc will present with an altered posture, often leaning AWAY from the injured disc, as their body is trying to offload the compression forces. They are often bent forward and leaning off to one side, walking very gingerly and have minimal tolerance for sitting. It may appear that they are trying to stay up tall while walking, but this posture makes it even more uncomfortable. These patients often need to change positions frequently, and have difficulty finding any position to rest. Sleep is always altered and pain is constant. 

Treatment typically involves rehabilitative exercises to encourage proper positioning of the disc, ice to get the inflammation down, neural mobility techniques, as well as manual therapy of the surrounding joints and soft tissues. Exercises are often done multiple times a day, and relief should be felt quickly. After the acute phase of inflammation, emphasis switches to strengthening the postural muscles of the back and trunk, correcting lifting mechanics and posture, and education on how to avoid this from happening again! 

If you are someone, or know someone, who had a quick onset of terrible back pain and difficulty even standing up, physiotherapy can help! We prioritize getting these patients in the same day, as we understand how limiting this condition is. Skip waiting at the emergency room for an x-ray, just to be told to go to physio!

Give us a call, we’re always there to help in any way that we can.