Physiotherapy treatment for disc prolapses is very effective and aims to reduce pain, stiffness and muscle spasm, as well as sciatic leg pain. Once your disc prolapsed symptoms ahave been reduced your physiotherapist will help to improve your muscle strength and flexibility.
The majority of herniated disks do not require surgery, and respond best to physical therapy. Physical therapists design personalized treatment programs to help people with herniated disks regain normal movement, reduce pain, and get back to their regular activities. Physical therapists are movement experts.
Treatment for a slipped disc from a GP
A GP might prescribe a stronger painkiller, a steroid injection or a muscle relaxant to use in the short term. If your symptoms do not get better, a GP might recommend further tests, like an MRI scan. They might also refer you to a physiotherapist.
Most people recover from a slipped disc within six weeks without treatment. Until then there are a number of treatment options that aim to help relieve the pain and improve mobility.
For up to 90% of people, herniated disk pain gets better on its own or with simple medical care. You'll probably feel better within a month. If you don't, you should see your healthcare provider. Some people need more aggressive medical measures, such as spinal injections or surgery.
The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.
Our physiotherapist can check your symptoms against X-rays, postural evaluations, and other factors to confirm the presence and location of a herniated disc.
Whether to go to work really depends on the severity of your symptoms and the type of work you do. Most people are able to work with a herniated disc but if the pain gets too severe you may have to take time off until the pain, numbness and tingling resolve. That may take up to six weeks.
Deep Tissue Massage: There are more than 100 types of massage, but deep tissue massage is an ideal option if you have a herniated disc because it uses a great deal of pressure to relieve deep muscle tension and spasms, which develop to prevent muscle motion at the affected area.
Non-surgical treatments can include physical therapy or bracing to try and gradually ease the bulging disc back into its rightful place. When these conservative options fail, and there is still a lot of pain, a minimally invasive surgical procedure can be used to correct the bulging disc.
If you leave a herniated disc untreated, you may experience intense, sharp pains, partial paralysis, or the inability to control bowel movements in relatively dire situations.
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.
Daily walks are an excellent way to exercise with a herniated disc, without putting additional strain on your spine and causing painful symptoms to flare up.
Seek emergency medical attention if you have: Worsening symptoms. Pain, numbness or weakness can increase to the point that they hamper your daily activities. Bladder or bowel dysfunction.
Avoid Sitting Too Much
Sitting for long periods is not advised if you suffer from a herniated disc. It places more stress on your spinal discs, worsening the pain. You can maintain comfort by regularly moving around or standing up from your seat.
Why Do Herniated Discs Take So Long to Heal? “Discs in adults typically have poor blood supply,” Dr. Sokunbi notes, “and sometimes don't have the ability to heal completely.” Most often, herniated discs in healthy patients heal quickly.
The spinal canal has limited space, which is inadequate for the spinal nerve and the displaced herniated disc fragment. Due to this displacement, the disc presses on spinal nerves, often producing pain, which may be severe.
Your chances of getting better are good. Most people who have a herniated disc are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if you feel worse, talk with your doctor.
MRI scan is the best non-invasive test available to find herniated and bulging discs and annular tears. Because the spatial resolution of spinal anatomy can be defined to 0.5mm with an MRI scan, doctors can identify with over 95% accuracy the herniated discs in the spine.
Red flags are specific attributes derived from a patient's medical history and the clinical examination that are usually linked with a high risk of having a serious disorder like an infection, cancer, or a fracture.