SLIPPED DISC AND SCIATICA

Between each vertebra of the spine is a disc of cartilage that acts as a shock-absorbing pad- these discs have a soft, jelly-like centre and a tough, fibrous outer layer. If the discs burst or ‘slip’ (known medically as a prolapsed disc), the fluid puts pressure on the spinal nerve roots. Sciatica is a general term for lower back pain that extends into the buttock, thigh, or calf.

CAUSES:

Bending forward (flexing) to pick up a heavy object, particularly in activities such as weightlifting, puts increased pressure on the discs of the spine. This kind of stress can cause the outer layer of a disc to rupture, allowing the jelly-like contents to protrude or ‘slip’, putting pressure onto the nearby nerve roots, which are close to spine. Slipped discs usually occur in the lower back, although they can happen in any area of the spine. The resulting pressure that is put on the nerve is one of the causes of pain in the lower back, known as sciatica; other causes of sciatica include piriformis syndrome.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

Back pain is extremely common, but if you also have a shooting pain down the back of the leg, usually on flexing or bending sideways, and ‘pin and needles’, numbness, or weakness in your legs, you may also have sciatica. Typically, this is experienced on one side only. The affected disc may protrude from your spine but should, in most cases, eventually shrink back.

COMPLICATIONS

You may develop pain in the other side of the lower back.
You may experience weakness on the lower limb, or bowel/bladder dysfunction, or loss of feeling around your perineum.

RECOVERY

Recovery may range from a few weeks to months depending of your injury and recovery abilities. Surgery is not required in most of the cases.

TREATMENT

– Use heating to relax the muscles and to decrease the muscle spasm
– You can use Magnesium oil spray- Use twisting exercises in order to stretch your back and help the muscles

HOW NATUROPATHIC HEALING CAN HELP

– By giving you advise with regards sleeping pattern, sitting, driving
– By giving you recommendation of posture, positioning, lifting, bending, reaching
– Can support you with treatment which can include:
• Assessment
• Treatment- Acupuncture, infrared lamp, local massage with a herbal gel, may include kinesiotape and for sure exercises prescription

If you need a review of your lower back pain and you require treatment, please book your appointment in advance on
0748 111 3606 with Desi Eneva- Physiotherapist

Available slots on Thursdays/Fridays and Weekends.