What is intervertebral disc protrusion?
Your spine is made up of lots of bones called your vertebrae. All of your vertebrae are separated by discs. Intervertebral disc protrusion is when one or more of your discs begins to bulge out of its normal position. The surrounding ligaments and the disc itself remains in-tact and it most commonly affects your lower back.
Above: Back pain is a common problem and can be managed through advice and education.What causes intervertebral disc protrusion?
Intervertebral disc protrusion can be caused by repetitive, forceful or prolonged activity in the form of bending forward ??? for instance when sitting down, lifting objects or reaching for something on the floor.
Factors such as:
- Having weak muscles in your stomach and back,
- An inactive lifestyle
- Muscle tightness or weakness (muscle imbalance)
- Stiffness in the joints in your back
- Poor posture
- Being overweight
- Poor technique of lifting can also put you at higher risk of intervertebral disc protrusion.
What are the symptoms of intervertebral disc protrusion?
If you have intervertebral disc protrusion, you may have the following symptoms:
- Pain in your back ??? that is worse in the morning, aggravated by coughing or after bending forwards
- Stiffness in your back
- Muscle spasms in your back
If there is any nerve disturbance you may experience the below symptoms in your back or legs:
- Pins and needles
- Numbness
- Weakness
All symptoms above can occur in the middle, on either or both sides of your spine.
Above: Core strengthening is an effective technique for management of long term lower back pain.How is intervertebral disc protrusion 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.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for intervertebral disc protrusion involve?
Your first appointment at Liverpool Physio would be for a comprehensive assessment. Our specialist physiotherapists will split this into two parts:
Subjective
A conversation to discover how long you have been experiencing your symptoms, what activities make them worse and better, gain an understanding of your history of injuries and medical treatment and relate this back to how it all affects you and your lifestyle.
Objective
An assessment of your current pain, range of movement in your back, neck arms and if necessary hips, muscle strength, spine flexibility and a series of special tests to rule out other conditions.
What would physiotherapy treatment for intervertebral disc protrusion 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 protrusion?
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 protrusion 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.
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 on0151 558 0077.
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