What is a disc prolapse?

A disk prolapse, or ‘slipped disk’, occurs when the thick paste-like disc nucleus is pushed out through a tiny defect in the fibrous disc wall. This bulge of nucleus can irritate the nerve root causing pain, which may radiate down the leg.

What causes a disc prolapse?

A disc prolapse usually occurs when pressure is placed on the spine when lifting a heavy object in the wrong way. A direct injury such as a fall or a whiplash accident can cause a disc prolapse.

What are the symptoms/effects of a disc prolapse?

People with a disc prolapse typically present with acute low back pain and/or leg pain following a relatively trivial movement usually involving bending forward. Pain is often aggravated by sitting, bending, lifting, coughing and sneezing. Pain is usually eased by lying down, particularly on the non-painful side, and is often less in the morning after a nights rest.

Diagnosis of a disc prolapse

A doctor or physiotherapist can diagnose a disc prolapse from your symptoms, medical history and through physical assessment.

Physiotherapy treatment for a disc prolapse

Physiotherapy treatment is very effective at reducing pain and stiffness and improving muscles strength and flexible following a disc prolapse.

Your physiotherapist at Manchester Physio will develop an individually tailored exercise plan for you to relieve pain, keep you strong and flexible and help prevent any further damage being caused to your back.

Physiotherapy treatment in the acute phase will consist of advice on how to modify activity, and use of painkillers. As the acute episode settles, physiotherapy treatment for disc prolapse may include:

Extension exercises to relieve nerve root irritation and pain
Heat therapy
Soft tissue massage
Back exercise program including strengthening and stretching exercises to restore normal pain-free movement to the area and stabilise the spine.
Joint mobilisation to relieve pain and stiffness
Acupuncture
Electrical stimulation such as TENS to help with pain
Postural advice

Your physiotherapist at Manchester Physio will support your through your exercise program to ensure you are maintaining a correct posture and strengthen the core stabilising muscles and back muscles safely and effectively, so that you can return to work and sporting activities as soon as possible.

For more information about physiotherapy for a disc prolapse, or to book an appointment please call 0161 883 0077.

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