Lumbar Disc Pain
Low back pain can be debilitating and specifically disc pain can cause life changing degrees of pain. Fortunately, almost all of low back pain, including disc pain can be treated and cleared with high quality Physiotherapy treatment alone. Including, the cases that make people bed bound!
As always, early intervention is best.
Disc pain refers to pain that comes from irritation, inflammation or damage to the intervertebral (spinal) disc. The disc sits between two vertebrae and provides movement, stability and shock absorption for the spine. Discs predominantly consist of substances called fibrocartilage and glycoprotein.
There are two main parts of the spinal disc: annulus (outer section) and nucleus (inner section). The annulus consists of multi-directional fibrocartilaginous fibre layers that are densely packed whereas the nucleus is the fluid component, which usually moves within the annulus, adjusting to the pressures placed on your spine.
They are resilient and strong structures, like other areas of the body they can be damaged. Through:
Repetitive microtrauma (ie; poor and sustained postures such as sitting/standing);
Macro-trauma (ie; sudden unexpected load where the demand to the disc far exceeds the disc’s tolerance);
External factors such as nutrition and sleep can contribute to the overall health of the disc.
When the disc is injured, the outer wall weakens, and the nucleus can press outwards on the weakened disc wall, causing your disc to bulge outwards. This can then result in pain, numbness, pins and needles and/or muscle weakness. All of which are symptoms that if treated by high quality Physiotherapy and seen early enough, can be completely cleared. Allowing a return to normal pre-injury function.
Discs are complex structures, they require a detailed assessment to determine the best course of action for treatment and prevention. At Melbourne Physio Clinic, we offer a tailor-made, individualistic approach to rehabilitation, which is backed by the highest quality of evidence.
We are Melbourne’s leading Physiotherapy clinic with the largest amount of study and experience, enabling the best care for your low back pain or disc injury.