What is a Disc Herniation?

A Disc Herniation occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, or legs.

Disc Herniations can also result from lifting heavy objects incorrectly, sudden movements, or even long-term poor posture. In some cases, a Disc Herniation can cause sciatica if it presses on the sciatic nerve.

Most people with a Disc Herniation improve with treatments like manual therapy, active rest, and sometimes chiropractic care, though more severe cases might require other interventions.

Reference:

Foster, N. E., et al. (2018). "Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions." The Lancet, 391(10137), 2368-2383.

What Causes a Disc Herniation?

A Disc Herniation happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in its outer layer. This can be caused by several factors:

• Aging: As we get older, our spinal discs naturally lose some of their water content, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing.

• Injury or Trauma: Sudden movements, falls, or lifting heavy objects incorrectly can cause a disc to slip.

• Repetitive Strain: Over time, repeated motions or poor posture can weaken the discs and lead to a herniation.

• Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing disc problems due to inherited traits.

• Obesity: Carrying extra body weight can put additional strain on the discs, increasing the risk of a slip.

A Disc Herniation can cause pain, numbness, or weakness, depending on which nerves are affected. Fortunately, most cases improve with conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, and sometimes chiropractic care.

Reference:

Vining, R. D., et al. (2019). "Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." JAMA Network Open, 2(8), e1911891.

What is the Typical Treatment Plan for a Disc Herniation?

Treatment for a Disc Herniation focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and helping the disc heal. The specific plan varies depending on the severity of symptoms, but common treatments include:

• Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that worsen the pain is important, but complete bed rest is usually not recommended. Gentle movement and light activities help maintain flexibility and strength.

• Manual Therapy: We can guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the affected disc.

• Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic mobilisations can be effective in relieving pain and improving function for some people with a slipped disc. These treatments focus on gently realigning the spine and reducing nerve pressure.

• Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Education and Ergonomics: Learning proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics can prevent further injury and support healing.

• Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, where conservative treatments don’t provide relief, surgery might be necessary to remove or repair the damaged disc.

Most people with a Disc Herniation see improvement within a few weeks to months with these non-surgical treatments. Surgery is usually considered only when symptoms persist or worsen despite other treatments.

Reference:

Chou, R., et al. (2017). "Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians." Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7), 514-530.

How Can Treatment Help with Disc Herniation Pain Relief?

Disc Herniation pain is discomfort caused by issues with the spinal discs, which are the cushions between the bones in your spine. Treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve spinal function. Here’s how different treatments can help:

• Manual Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the damaged disc. A therapist will create a personalised plan to address your specific needs.

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. For more severe pain, your doctor might prescribe stronger medications or suggest injections that deliver anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the affected area.

• Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can help by realigning the spine and improving the movement of spinal joints. This can reduce nerve irritation and pain, although it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s suitable for your condition.

• Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow, while ice packs can reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Alternating between the two can be effective for managing symptoms.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Improving posture, avoiding activities that strain your back, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent further disc damage and alleviate pain. Ergonomic adjustments at work or home can also reduce strain on your spine.

• Education and Self-Care: Learning about proper body mechanics, such as how to lift objects correctly and maintain good posture, can help prevent future episodes of pain and support long-term relief.

• Advanced Treatments: For persistent or severe pain, treatments like spinal injections or, in rare cases, surgery might be considered to address the underlying disc problem more directly.

By combining these treatments, you can effectively manage Disc Herniation pain, improve your quality of life, and reduce the risk of future issues.

Reference:

Riew, K. D., & Yoon, T. S. (2019). "Management of Discogenic Back Pain: A Review of Treatment Options." Global Spine Journal, 9(3), 314-322.

What Are the Best Exercises for Disc Herniation Pain Relief?

The best exercises are the ones that will correct your individual weaknesses and movement shortfalls. Exercise is a key part of managing Disc Herniation pain. The right exercises can help reduce pain, improve spinal stability, and promote healing.

Here are some effective exercises*:

• Pelvic Tilts: This exercise helps strengthen your lower back and abdomen. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and gently push your lower back into the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat 10-15 times.

• Cat-Cow Stretch: This stretch improves flexibility and relieves tension in your spine. Start on your hands and knees. Arch your back up like a cat, then slowly lower your belly and lift your head and tailbone toward the ceiling, like a cow. Repeat 10-15 times.

• Bridging: This exercise strengthens the glutes and lower back muscles. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top. Hold for a few seconds, then lower slowly. Repeat 10-15 times.

• Knee-to-Chest Stretch: This stretch helps relieve lower back pain and tension. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Bring one knee toward your chest, holding it with both hands. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs. Repeat 2-3 times for each leg.

• Bird Dog: This exercise enhances core stability and lower back strength. Start on your hands and knees. Extend one arm forward and the opposite leg backward, keeping your body stable. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times on each side.

• Child’s Pose: This gentle stretch can help relax your back muscles. Start on your hands and knees, then sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward, lowering your forehead to the ground. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then return to the starting position.

*Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have discogenic pain. They can tailor exercises to your specific condition and ensure they are performed correctly to avoid injury.

Reference:

Hayden, J. A., et al. (2019). "Exercise Therapy for Acute Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis." European Spine Journal, 28(8), 1778-1790.

How Pain from a Disc Herniation Develops

A Disc Herniation can cause pain in several ways:

• Disc Bulge: When a disc’s outer layer tears due to pressure, the inner gel-like material can bulge out. This bulge can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain that may radiate down your arm or leg.

• Nerve Irritation: Even if the disc doesn’t press directly on a nerve, tears in the outer layers can cause inflammation. This inflammation can irritate surrounding nerves and lead to pain patterns that might not be visible on an MRI.

• Disc Collapse: If a disc collapses or becomes wedged, it can physically press on a nerve, often affecting the side opposite to the bulge. This pressure can cause localized pain and other symptoms.

• Degeneration: As discs degenerate over time, they lose height and become less effective at cushioning the spine. This reduction in disc height can narrow the space for nerves, leading to nerve entrapment and pain.

Symptoms of a Disc Herniation:

• Sharp Pain: Pain is often sharp and can radiate from the back down to the arm or leg, depending on which nerve is affected.

• Muscle Spasms: You might experience muscle spasms, which can make it hard to stand up straight or move comfortably.

• Chronic Pain: Persistent, dull pain may accompany weakness, tingling, or numbness in areas served by the affected nerves.

• Severe Cases: In extreme cases, you might lose muscle control when bearing weight, leading to conditions like "drop foot," where you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot.

Reference:

Jacobs, W. C., et al. (2021). "The Effectiveness of Non-Surgical Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis." Spine Journal, 21(6), 918-930.

How Can We Help Your Disc Herniation?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of Chiropractic Treatment, Exercise Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Dry Needling and Patient Education (NRE).

What If We Cannot Help Your Disc Herniation?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.