What is intervertebral disc prolapse?
Your spine is made up of a series of bones called your vertebrae. Each vertebrae is separated by a disc. The discs have two main layers, an outer thicker layer and an inner liquid like material. Intervertebral disc prolapse is when the inner liquid like material starts to leak out of the disc.
If this occurs, usually in a posterior and lateral direction as the outer layer is thinnest here and there is no ligament support in this direction. As it leaks, it is common for the fluid to cause irritation of the local nerves.
Above: Disc prolapse can be managed through effective physiotherapy treatment.What causes intervertebral disc prolapse?
Intervertebral disc prolapse can be caused by the following factors:
- Repeated overuse of your back in the form of bending and/or lifting
- Whiplash
- Poor posture
- Overweight
- Sudden twisting
- Degeneration and loss of elasticity of discs with age
What are the symptoms of intervertebral disc prolapse?
If you have an intervertebral disc prolapse you may present with:
- High amounts of back in your back.
- Pain that radiates into your legs or arms.
- Pain that increases with movement, coughing or sneezing
- Numbness, tingling, pins and needles or altered sensation in areas of your body such as your arms or legs (e.g. with lumbar disc prolapse sciatica is common).
How is intervertebral disc prolapse Diagnosed?
Depending on the symptoms you present, you may require an MRI scan to identify how much your disc is protruding. Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio have experience of dealing with patients that present with this problem, they will be able to identify if this is your diagnosis and can refer you for a scan if necessary.
For further information about how Physiotherapy can help treat intervertebral disc protrusion, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
Above: Simple exercises can help relieve the discomfort of lower back pain.What would a physiotherapy assessment for intervertebral disc protrusion involve?
Our experienced physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio will be able to identify if you may have a disc prolapse through a thorough assessment. You may need to go for an MRI scan to identify the severity of the disc prolapse in your back.
In some cases, surgery is required to take pressure off your nerve root and allow your nerve to have better healing to relieve some of your symptoms. In such cases we will be happy to see you post-surgery to assist your rehabilitation.
For more information about how Physiotherapy can help treat intervertebral disc prolapse, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or Call 0151 558 0077
How is intervertebral disc prolapse Diagnosed?
Subjective
A discussion about your current symptoms, what activities or interventions aggravate and ease them and how your symptoms are impacting your lifestyle
Objective
With consideration of your current pain, our physiotherapist will then assess your range of movement in your back, neck arms and if necessary legs, muscle strength, sensation and a series of special tests to rule out other conditions.
What would physiotherapy treatment for intervertebral disc prolapse involve?
At Liverpool Physio, Our physiotherapists can use the below treatments to try to resolve your back pain and encourage correct positioning of the discs in your back:
- Spine mobilisations
- Massage
- Exercises
- Stretches
- Hydrotherapy
- Electrotherapy
- Advice on activity modification
- Postural advic
Our experienced physiotherapists will ensure that all of your treatment sessions are personalised to your interests in aim of getting you back to your normal activity and movement.
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for intervertebral disc prolapse?
If you have noticed that you have pain, stiffness, muscle spasms or any of the nervous symptoms in your back or legs, you will benefit from an assessment from one of our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
Summary
Intervertebral disc prolapse can cause several uncomfortable symptoms in your back that may radiate down to your hips and legs. Using a range of pain relief techniques, mobilisation exercises and a tailored rehabilitation programme we can relieve those symptoms and regain lost strength and flexibility. At Liverpool Physio we want to ensure you get the best treatment for your injury and will use appropriate, targeted treatments to get you back to the normal activities of daily living.
Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio want to ensure that you get the best treatment for your back injury.
For further information about how Physiotherapy can help treat intervertebral disc prolapse, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on0151 558 0077.
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