Slipped disc

The Best Ways to Manage your Back Pain

Here at Compass Physio and Trim Physio we have worked with back pain for years. It’s the most common condition we treat so we are experts in this area.

This week we are going to talk about one… of the most common misconceptions we see as Physiotherapists and that’s “SLIPPED DISCS”

Have you or do you know anyone who has has a slipped disc.

Most people have heard of the phrases

• Discs

• Sciatica

• Nerve

With regard to the Discs that make up a key component of our spine the perception is that they are weak and fragile.

Here is a sample image of the anatomy of a disc.

The disc is sandwiched between 2 end plates that are very strong indeed. These plates act like a pressure plate to ensure that there is no slipping. The end plate is in fact attached to the outer layer of the disc.

Discs tend to bulge and the analogy that I use is of a jam donut. With time the discs can dry out and the jam in the middle can peak through the outer lining. This is a disc bulge and in more severe cases can lead to back pain that can include nerve pain.

What to do if you have a slipped disc

Get a 2nd opinion. As chartered physiotherapists we are often best placed to review your back pain… This involves looking at the big picture. Having a disc issue is common and often can be well managed with the correct treatment

Keep exercising. The exact exercises will depend on how your symptoms present. Keeping active and strong is a great starting point.

Consider Pilates. This is a great structured format to allow you engage those core muscles. And this will get you on the pathway to getting out of pain

If you want to find out more about a slipped disc you can contact the clinic direct on 046 954 9456 or email info@compassphysio.ie