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 a nerve.
Above: Disc prolapse can be managed through pilates style exercisesWhat 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 pain in your back
- Pain that radiated 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?
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.For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat intervertebral disc prolapse, or to book yourself an appointment or for more information, please contact us via email at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for intervertebral disc prolapse involve?
If you present with any of the stated symptoms, our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio can see you for your initial assessment. Your first appointment at Liverpool Physio would be split into two parts:
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.
Above: A patient managing disc prolapse through neural alignment of the spine.What would physiotherapy treatment for intervertebral disc prolapse involve?
At Liverpool Physio, our physiotherapists will select various treatments to relieve you of your symptoms. Interventions may include:
- Spine mobilisations
- Massage
- Excercises
- Stretches
- Hydrotherapy
- Electrotherapy
- Advice on activity modification
- Postural advice
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for intervertebral disc prolapse?
If you are experiencing back pain or altered sensation anywhere in your body, we would recommend booking in for an assessment.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 007I.
Summary
Intervertebral disc prolapse is a highly painful injury which in some cases will require surgery. Weather surgical intervention is required or not, the physiotherapists will be able to tailor a rehabilitation exercise programme, including pain relief techniques, to alleviate your symptoms and return you to normal functional activities. Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio want to ensure that you get the best treatment for your back injury.
For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat intervertebral disc prolapse, or to book yourself an appointment or for more information, please contact us via email at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
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