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Slipped Disc

When lower back pain begins to radiate and effect buttocks, legs and sometimes the feet, it could be due to a spinal disc bulge or herniation. A spinal disc herniation, which is commonly called a slipped disc, is when the soft central part of a disc (nucleus pulposus) begins to push through the fibrous (annulus) outer ring of the disc.

Slipped discs occur most commonly in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also occur in the neck (cervical) or upper back (thoracic) regions of the spine. The type and severity of symptoms depends on how severe the “slipped” disc bulge is.

What Is a Slipped Disc?

Intervertebral discs take significant load every day from flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation. When the demand on these discs is increased, through postural adaptations or increased mechanical load, the central nucleus pulposus can begin to herniate away from the site of compression. The direction of herniation and structures impacted by the bulge will determine where and how severe the symptoms are, frequently radiating into the buttocks, legs and as far as the feet. The most commonly known condition is Sciatica whereby the bulge begins to compress the sciatic nerve. However, the pain can sometimes refer to the abdominal region.

Intervertebral discs are highly innervated but have a very poor blood supply. This is a major factor in the intensity of pain experienced and the frequently long recovery times. When the herniation begins to compress the nerves exiting the spine, pain and sensitivity are the first symptoms. These can then progress to loss of sensation and loss of power. If these symptoms progress too far, surgery can become necessary.

Who Gets a Slipped Disc?

  • Male or Female
  • Most Commonly Age 40-50
  • Very Uncommon over Age 65
  • Common in Manual Lifting Jobs
  • Strong Genetic Predisposition
  • Family History of Slipped Disc Increases Risk
  • Linked To Those With Increased Lumbar Curve

What is the Treatment for Slipped Disc?

Pain from disc herniation can range from an irritating constant aching to severe disabling pain.  At Reflex Spinal Health we see a lot of people presenting with signs of “slipped” disc.  Once diagnosis is made we usually find that 80% of disc pain patients are at least 80% better within six weeks. If nerve compression begins to cause serious sensory or motor compromise, or the pain is not responding to the chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation then surgery may be the only option. However, conservative treatment can usually reduce pain and remove the need for invasive surgical intervention. A surgical approach is more likely with chronic, severe prolapsed discs, or restriction due to spinal stenosis. If you are not demonstrating the level of relief your osteopath or chiropractor would expect after a certain number of treatments then you will be referred out for medical options.

More Detail About Treatment of Slipped Disc

Initially focussing on correcting compensatory postures that have arisen in an attempt to relieve some pain, Osteopathy or Chiropractic will start reducing pressure on the disc and therefore any neural compression that may have resulted. A combination of dry needling, spinal adjustments and joint decompression has been shown to be effective at reducing the disabling consequences of a disc herniation. Finally spinal rehabilitation of the supporting and stabilising musculature (core stability) can help to improve the function and reduce the likelihood of a relapse.  At Reflex Spinal Health our team of Reading Chiropractors and osteopaths have helped many people feel great having presented with a herniated, or slipped, disc or associated sciatica and leg pain.

Please call Reflex Spinal Health on 0118 946 2100 for further information.

Reflex Spinal Health

17 Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire RG4 7AA

  • +44 118 946 2100

About Us:

Reflex Spinal Health are a passionate, dynamic spinal health team. We are committed to help as many in our community of Reading, Berkshire and South Oxfordshire to enjoy the vitality of great health, to reach their health goals and feel truly alive! Our chiropractors and osteopaths offer the highest standards of care in a superb environment.

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