Understanding Slipped Disc Causes Symptoms & Treatment Options By PhysioChiro

The most common condition of spinal cord occurs to be slipping of a disc which results to back pain, discomfort, and also nerve related issues. And we at PhysioChiro always want our patients to treat conditions effectively, but they also require a good education so as to be able to make good decisions regarding their health.

What exactly is a Slipped Disc?

An intervertebral disc is a soft cushion, like a gel, which lies between cervical vertebrae in a spine. Disc acts as shock absorbers and even movement helps by absorbing shocks. When one of these discs gets ruptured (mostly due to injury), aged, or strained, the inner gel material may protrude out or ‘slips’ through an outer layer. We refer to this as a slipped disc.

Common causes:

• Bad postures
• Heavy lifting suddenly
• Repetitive strain or overuse
• Aging and disc degeneration
• It has its own trauma/injury on the spine.
• Sedentary lifestyle or obesity

 

Symptoms to look for-

A slipped disc does not always present as a symptom, but it can present as: Localized low back pain, or neck pain Radiating down arms or legs (sciatica) Numbness or tingling Muscle weakness Difficulty with certain movements or reduced mobility. Pain intensity may vary from mild to severe, depending on the extent of disc herniation and nerve involvement.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis at PhysioChiro usually includes but is not limited to: Detailed physical examination Medical history analysis Neurological tests Imaging.

Physiotherapy Treatment Options for a Slipped Disc

A slipped or herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing symptoms and restoring function. Here are key treatment approaches:

1. Pain Management

• Modalities such as ice/heat therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and ultrasound therapy help reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Manual Therapy

• Gentle spinal mobilization and soft tissue techniques may relieve pressure on the affected nerve and improve mobility.

3. Postural Correction

• Teaching correct posture to reduce strain on the spine during daily activities can prevent symptom flare-ups and further disc damage.

4. Core Strengthening

• Strengthening the deep abdominal and spinal muscles helps support the spine and reduce the likelihood of future injury.

5. Stretching Exercises

• Specific stretches for the hamstrings, hip flexors, and lower back improve flexibility and reduce tension around the spine.

6. McKenzie Method

• A specialized set of exercises that centralize pain and can help reduce disc protrusion through repeated movements and posture training.

7. Education and Activity Modification

• Patients learn how to avoid movements that worsen symptoms and safely stay active during recovery.

8. Gradual Return to Activity

• A structured program guides patients back to normal activity levels, minimizing the risk of reinjury.