DISC HERNIATION – LUMBAR HERNIATION
WHAT IS IT?
Between each two consecutive vertebra in the spine there is an inter-vertebral disc. The exterior of each disk is surrounded by a thick layer of cartilage (annulus fibrosus), and its center contains a gelatinous nucleus comprised of about 80% of water (nucleus pulposus).
The main role of the intervertebral discs is to absorb the shocks that traverse the spine.
A herniated discoccurswhen a discweakens,cracksor ruptures, causing the gelatinous materialthat isinside thedisc to beexpelled outside throughthe wall ofcartilage.
If the hernia compresses one of the roots of the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain to radiate along the back of the leg.
A hernia can also irritate the spinal nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, notably causing numbness and in some cases, severe muscle weakness in the arms or legs as well.
SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms of a herniated disc will never be the same, even for two people with a similar disc herniation. Indeed, some individuals may have a herniated disc without any symptoms, while for others it will be terribly painful.
Notably, the following symptoms are found to be associated with a herniated disc:
- Pain that increases with movements of flexion
(bending forward), with coughing and sneezing (which increase abdominal pressure and thus the pressure on the disc), and with physical exertion. In addition, the pain will tend to be exacerbated with prolongued sitting or standing.
- Depending on whether the herniated disc is in the neck or lower back, pain might radiate to the buttocks, legs and feet, or to the shoulders, arms and hands.
- Tingling, numbness or a feeling of weakness may also be felt in the upper or lower limbs.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS:
- Age
With aging, vertebral discs lose their flexibility, which increases the risk of injury
- Poor posture and biomechanics
 A sudden movement done in a poor posture, such as lifting a heavy load with the trunk in torsion can cause pinching of the intervertebral discs and cause a herniated disc in the long term
- Obesity and pregnancy
A surplus in weight will increase the pressure on the spinal vertebraes
- A hereditary predisposition
 The presence of several people in the family with a herniated disc can be a risk factor
Genetic abnormalities can cause weakness of the structures that make up the spine
WHAT DO PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENTS CONSIST OF?
Firstly, physiotherapy treatments will aim to reduce the pain and inflammation present with the use of electrotherapy (such as ultrasound or TENS), heat application, myofascial release techniques and proper education regarding the proper postures and biomechanics to adopt in order to prevent worsening of your condition.
Then, your therapist will use a wide array of manual therapy and neural mobilization techniques, and will prescribe effective symptom-reducing exercises specific to your condition.
A detailed exercise strengthening program will also be provided in order to develop the musculature surrounding the spine and thus provide better stabilization to the discs.
Therefore, consult a Forcephysio physiotherapist as soon as possible for a quick recovery!
