Often times, clients come in reporting a disc bulge or herniation in the lower back or
Julie Cai
November 15, 2022
Often times, clients come in reporting a disc bulge or herniation in the lower back or neck, which may have been confirmed on a scan. Disc herniations do not necessarily manifest in back pain, however this is commonly the case which drives an individual to be referred for an MRI. Receiving the diagnosis of a disc bulge is not the end of the world, nor does it mean you can’t return to sport or physical activity. This article aims to clear up misunderstandings about disc bulges, and how Physio and Chiro can help disc herniations heal.
Discs are a type of soft tissue that sit in between the vertebrae of your spine. Their primary function is mechanical, since the continually transfer stresses generated by body weight and muscle activity across the spinal column. They make approximately one-third of the spinal column's height, and are major joints of the spine. They also allow bending, flexion, and torsion of the spine. (1)
A disc bulge however, occurs when the supportive structure of an intervertebral disc has been compromised, which can potentially cause the disc itself to press against and compress the nerve root. This nerve compression cau cause back pain, spasms, cramping, shooting pain, sciatica, numbness, pins and needles, or pain down your legs or arms.
The four stages of a disc herniation are: 1) disc protrusion 2) prolapsed disc 3) disc extrusion 4) sequestered disc. Although these stages can sound scary, most people are able to heal from the pain with conservative treatment such as Physiotherapy and Chiropractic, including the final sequestration stage. (2) It is also worth noting that it is common to have a disc bulge yet remain asymptomatic. In a study conducted by Nakashima et. al (2015) on 1211 healthy individuals (between the ages of 20-70 years), they found that 87u.6% of the subjects presented with disc bulge despite being asymptomatic. (3)
With the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most people can return to their pre-injury activity. Depending on an individual’s presentation, certain exercises may need to be reduced to allow the pain to improve, such as sit-ups, deadlifts and squats. However, McKenzie method exercises can actually help drive the pressure of the disc forward to pull the disc material back into the disc. It is not uncommon for disc bulges to resolve after appropriate rest and rehab.
The majority of individuals with a disc herniation do not require surgery. The symptoms of radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people with time, conservative treatment such as physiotherapy or chiropractic, and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Physiotherapy and Chiropractic will involve a thorough assessment to determine the affected vertebral level or levels, biomechanical dysfunctions, core strength and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to this condition. Our treatment then involves taking pressure off the affected disc by releasing compressive muscle spasms, gentle traction of the spine, and joint mobilisation/manipulation as required. Appropriate strength and stretching exercise are also added, depending on the biomechanical presentation of the individual.
If you have any further questions about how we can help with your disc herniation, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment.
Pins and needles in arms can be caused by many things. Poor posture, sitting in one position for too long, or sleeping on your arm can all lead to pins and needles. In most cases, the sensation goes away after you move your arm or change your position. Pins and needles can also be caused by pressure on the nerves. This can happen when you wear a tight bracelet or watchband or cross your legs for a long time. The sensation usually goes away quickly once the pressure is released. In some cases, pins and needles may indicate an underlying medical condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, and certain vitamin deficiencies can all cause pins and needles sensations in the arms. If you have persistent pins and needles, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
Spinal traction is a method used to relieve back pain and other problems associated with the spine. The goal of spinal traction is to stretch the spine and take pressure off the nerves. This can help to relieve pain and improve function. Spinal traction is typically done with a machine that pulls on the spine from different angles. The person receiving treatment will lie on a table or bed, and straps will be used to hold them in place. The machine will then slowly pull on the spine, stretching it out. Spinal traction is usually done for 15-30 minutes at a time. It may be done once or twice a day for several days or weeks. Some people may need ongoing treatment to maintain relief from their symptoms. If you are considering spinal traction for your back pain, talk to your doctor to see if it is right.
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) is a healthcare professional who specialises in this field. Podiatry is a relatively new branch of medicine, only emerging as a distinct profession in the early 20th century. However, the field has grown rapidly in recent years, owing to increasing awareness of the importance of foot health. Today, podiatrists play an important role in keeping people mobile and active. They often treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails and Achilles tendonitis. In addition, they can provide advice on footwear and foot care for people with diabetes or other medical conditions that put them at risk of foot problems.
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