What is a herniated disc?

In order to understand the impact of a herniated disc, it is important to know the structure of a spinal disc. A spinal disc is made up of a firm outer layer of cartilage, which protects the soft jelly-like centre. 

There are a total of 23 discs in your spine, spread out throughout the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. These discs provide cushioning between the vertebrae (bones) that form the spine.

A herniated disc, also commonly referred to as a bulging, slipped or ruptured disc, occurs following a crack in the firm outer layer of cartilage. When this cracks it allows the disc’s soft centre to stick out. This slip is limited to just the immediate area of the crack, rather than the entire disc. 

A herniated disc is likely to cause pain and discomfort, with the inner cartilage sticking out and irritating nearby nerve roots. This irritation can be caused from the inner cartilage pushing on the nerve, or from inflammation of the nerve root caused by the herniation.

What causes a herniated disc?

Often when someone gets a herniated disc, they are unable to directly pinpoint the direct cause. While some people instantly feel pain or discomfort when their disc herniates, others may not notice anything for several hours or even days. That being said, here are some on the most common causes of a herniated disc:

Disc degeneration

Disc degeneration is most commonly a result of age related wear and tear. This degenerative process occurs gradually over time, as spinal discs lose their flexibility with age.

The decreased resilience of ageing discs increases the likelihood of injury. Consequently, even minor strains or twists come with the potential risk of disc rupture or tearing. 

Sudden movements

Sharp, sudden twisting, turning, or bending movements significantly increases the risk of a herniated disc.
Likewise, lifting heavy objects poses a risk.

Even when using safe lifting practices, overtime the sheer exertion involved in lifting heavy items can strain your lower back, leaving you more vulnerable to disc herniation.

Traumatic events

Traumatic incidents such as a fall or forceful impact to the back can also trigger a herniated disc. These events exert considerable force on the spinal structures, potentially causing a disc to rupture or protrude.

Though less common than degenerative or motion-related causes, traumatic events highlight that there are numerous circumstances that can cause a herniated disc.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Herniated discs predominantly affect the lower back, though they can occur in any of the spine’s 23 discs. As a consequence, where symptoms manifest is highly dependent on the location of the herniated disc. 

There are a variety of both common and rare symptoms that someone with a herniated disc might experience, including:

Pain and discomfort

Pain and discomfort are the most common symptoms associated with a herniated disc. In cases where the disc herniation occurs in the lower back, you will typically experience pain in your lower back, buttocks, thigh, calf, and foot.

In cases where the disc herniation occurs in the neck, you will typically experience pain in your neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, and arm. 

This pain and discomfort typically manifests on a single side of the body, dependent upon which nerves are affected by the protruding cartilage.

Pain can be exacerbated by a range of movements, including coughing, sneezing, or moving into certain positions. These movements can send sharp and burning shooting sensations through the affected limbs. 

Even simple activities such as sitting, standing, or walking short distances can amplify the pain and discomfort.

It is not uncommon for any pain and discomfort from a herniated disc to get worse when trying to sleep.
This is because when you lie down, it increases the pressure placed on your discs. Consequently this position then causes further nerve irritation.

Certain sleeping positions will place more pressure on your discs than others. The best sleeping position to avoid extra pressure on your herniated disc is dependent on its location.  At City Physio, after we assess your spinal disc herniation and have determined what part of the spine your herniated disc is located in, we can provide you with sleeping positions which place the least amount of pressure on your herniated disc.

Sciatica

Often accompanying a herniated disc in the lower back, sciatica is characterised by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is characterised by shooting pains, numbness, or tingling sensations extending from the lower back through the buttocks and down one leg. 

Numbness or tingling sensations

Herniated discs can cause numbness or tingling sensations. You can experience tingling, aching, or even burning sensations in the affected area as a result of nerve compression or irritation.

Weakness in limbs

As a consequence of nerve compression associated with a herniated disc, you may feel a weakness in certain limbs. This weakness can negatively affect mobility and stability, making even daily activities difficult.

Loss of bladder or bowel control

While rare, severe cases of untreated herniated discs can result in bladder or bowel dysfunction. These symptoms signal the existence of spinal cord compression, or cauda equina syndrome which puts extreme pressure and swelling of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. If you are suddenly experiencing incontinence or difficulty controlling bowel movements, it should be considered a medical emergency which requires prompt intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Early intervention is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with untreated herniated discs, including worsening symptoms or even permanent nerve damage. 

Initiating treatment promptly upon diagnosis reduces the likelihood of symptom progression and minimises the potential for serious complications to occur. 

By addressing the herniated disc early on, you can avoid the need for invasive interventions like surgery and mitigate the impact the disc herniation has on your overall health and well-being. 

At City Physiotherapy, we emphasise the importance of proactive management to address herniated discs effectively. Our dedicated team is committed to providing timely and comprehensive care to alleviate symptoms, restore functionality, and optimise long-term outcomes for our patients.

Can a physiotherapist tell if you have a herniated disc?

During a consultation with one of our physiotherapists at City Physiotherapy, a comprehensive physical examination is conducted to assess various factors, including range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and signs of nerve compression.

In most cases, physical examination and understanding your symptoms is enough to identify a herniated disc. In less overt cases, we can refer you for an X-ray to confirm the presence and extent of a herniated disc.

At City Physiotherapy, we provide comprehensive assessments and take a personalised approach with all of our patients.

What are risk factors for developing a herniated disc?

• Weight: Excess body weight places added stress on the spine, increasing the risk of disc degeneration and herniation.

• Occupation: Occupations involving repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, or heavy lifting pose an increased risk for developing a herniated disc.

• Genetics: Genetic predispositions can influence the structural integrity of spinal discs, potentially increasing susceptibility to herniated discs. People with a family history of disc degeneration or herniation may also be at a greater risk of developing a herniated disc.

• Smoking: Smoking has been linked to accelerated disc degeneration and impaired disc healing, which in turn increases the risk of disc herniation.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Little to no physical activity exacerbates spinal stiffness and weakens supportive muscles, increasing the risk of disc herniation.

• Age: Age-related changes in spinal discs, such as decreased hydration and structural degeneration, increase the likelihood of herniated discs with advancing age.

By understanding these risk factors, you can adopt preventative measures and lifestyle changes to reduce the likelihood of developing a herniated disc. At City Physiotherapy we emphasise the importance of understanding your body, so you can be empowered to take charge of your wellbeing.

How can a physiotherapist help treat a herniated disc?

Thankfully surgical interventions are rarely necessary when it comes to herniated discs. In fact, following physiotherapy treatment, over 90 percent of people who developed a herniated disc fully recovered.

With a focus on alleviating pain, restoring mobility, strengthening muscles, and promoting overall spinal health and flexibility – physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in managing the symptoms of a herniated disc and assisting with rehabilitation. Our experienced physios are equipped with range of treatments including: 

Manual Therapy

Our physiotherapists use manual therapy techniques to help decompress the spine, alleviate pressure on affected nerves, and improve spinal alignment. Manual therapy techniques aim to reduce pain, restore mobility, and enhance functionality in people with herniated discs.

Dry Needling

The pain and discomfort from a herniated disc can cause a great deal of stress both physically and mentally. This often leads to the formation of stubborn knots or muscle spasms around the affected area, which only exacerbates discomfort.

Through the insertion of a fine needle through the skin, dry needling directly stimulates these knots. This prompts the muscles in these areas to relax, reducing pain and allowing for a greater range of motion.

In the case of a herniated disc, dry needling is an invaluable tool for pain relief, increased mobility, and reduced inflammation.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Our physiotherapists provide personalised rehabilitation programs for those suffering from a herniated disc. These programs aim to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance posture. Specific exercises target core stability, spinal alignment, and range of motion, facilitating recovery and preventing future injuries.

Education and Guidance

Our physiotherapists educate patients on proper body mechanics to prevent exacerbation of herniated disc symptoms. Preventative strategies are also emphasised, to reduce the risk of future herniated discs and spinal injuries. This can include creating ongoing exercise programs, suggesting lifestyle modifications, and implementing postural correction strategies tailored to your needs and lifestyle, with an aim to minimise spinal stress and promote long-term spinal health.

At City Physiotherapy, we take a wellness centred approach to treating herniated discs, prioritising the physical health and overall well-being of our patients. Our dedicated physiotherapists strive to manage symptoms effectively, and to empower patients to regain their mobility and to resume activities they love, through tailored treatment plans.

City Physiotherapy Adelaide: Herniated Disc Treatment

If you are suffering from a herniated disc, take a proactive step towards relief with City Physio. Our dedicated team of physiotherapists offer personalised treatment plans and advice crafted specifically for you. Don’t let your herniated disc hinder the life you want to lead—book an appointment with City Physio today. Reclaim control, rediscover comfort, and begin your journey towards herniated disc relief today.

What is Sciatica? 

Sciatica is a painful condition characterised by injury or inflammation, resulting in referred pain to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts at the spine, and runs down the back of each leg through the glutes and hips to the knee. Sciatica is not a condition in itself, but is a term used to describe pain in the sciatic nerve, and is a symptom of an issue with the sciatic nerve. 

The pain is most commonly felt either in the lower back, or in the back of the legs. Even if you only feel the pain at the back of the leg or thigh, in most cases the cause of the problem is in the spine. 

There are two types of sciatica. 

• True sciatica is any condition or injury that directly affects your sciatic nerve.
• Sciatica-like conditions feel like sciatica, but are caused by different conditions related to the sciatic nerve.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can be caused by anything that results in inflammation or an injury to the sciatic nerve. The most common causes include: 

• A slipped or herniated disk applying pressure to the sciatic nerve. 
• Injury within the spine. 
• Frequent muscle spasms. 
• Some forms of arthritis. 

What are Common Symptoms for Sciatica?

Pain 

The most common symptoms you will experience if you have sciatica is pain. There is a varied level of pain that could be experienced, including mild tingling or a dull ache, all the way up to a burning sensation or sharp acute pain. It is most often felt in the glute or back of the leg, but can radiate across the length of the leg or up into the spine. 

Most of the time, you will only feel the pain down one side of your body, with one of the two sciatic nerves experiencing inflammation. Depending on the severity, you may sometimes feel pain in the foot or toes of the affected leg as well. 

The pain will often be worse when sitting down, which can make it hard to stand up when sitting down. The pain can also feel worse when you cough or sneeze. For some people, this pain might be infrequent, thus easy to manage, but it has the potential to get worse. For others, the pain can be severe and debilitating. 

Numbness or muscle weakness 

There are other symptoms that you may experience, either as well as or instead of pain. This can include a tingling feeling or numbness, which can also be felt in the feet and toes. 

Muscle spasms 

People suffering from sciatica have reported a feeling of muscle spasms near the nerve, near the lower back, glutes, hips, or along the back of the thighs. 

What are the major risk factors?

There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of experiencing sciatica: 

• A pre-existing injury to the sciatic nerve, lower back or spine.
• Having weak core strength, which puts extra pressure on the spine. Your core muscles include the abdomen, glutes, and back. 
• Ageing, which contributes to increased wear and tear on the spine. 
• Arthritis limits mobility of the nerve and spine. 
• Having low mobility or not regularly exercising. A low level of fitness or physical activity increases pressure on the spine.

Can I lower my risk factor?

Like most injuries, you cannot entirely prevent sciatica from occurring. Some risk factors, such as age and arthritis, are unavoidable. Some risk factors, however, you can attempt to reduce by limiting the impact your daily activities have on your spine: 

• Maintain a good posture when standing and sitting.
• Regularly move to reduce stress on your back – try not to sit or stand still for a long period of time.
• Try to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine, to improve your general fitness. 
• Use core exercises to improve your core strength.

Physio Treatment for Sciatica

The simple answer to this question is to come and visit a physiotherapist at City Physio! It is important to consult a healthcare professional when experiencing suspected sciatica, pain or discomfort. We are conveniently located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD to be able to treat you for any scatica you may be experiencing.

Personalised Treatment and Exercise Plans

We can perform a number of different treatments and devise a personalised exercise plan to help you recover and experience some relief from the debilitating symptoms of sciatica. The main goal of physiotherapy when treating sciatica is to find exercise that relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve. 

Performing simple exercises can help provide pain relief by decreasing muscle tension, increasing blood flow to the body, improving core stability and strength, and improving posture. 

Some recommended exercises usually include:

• Stretching. 
• Low impact exercise, such as walking, running, or swimming.
• Remedial Massage.

Back Pain Rehabilitation Classes

Depending on the severity of your condition, City Physio also offers Back Pain & Core Strength Physio Rehab Classes. 

This class is recommended for anyone who suffers from lower back or spinal pain, has a lumbar disc injury, sacroiliac joint pain, or back muscle pain and strains. The class contains a series of exercises and stretches to target the problematic muscles, including hip flexors and back muscles. You will learn how to activate your core stabilising muscles, and will work on improving the mobility of your hips and spine in your lumbo-pelvic region.

About City Physio

At City Physio Adelaide, we see patients of all ages, levels of ability, and fitness. If you have noticed pain in your lower back, upper legs, or glutes and hip area, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our physios. We understand that sciatica can be a debilitating condition, so it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. We are committed to seeing you get back on track and will look after you during your journey to wellness. 

Enquire about our Back Pain Classes, or consult a physiotherapist to determine the best treatment options for you, by calling us or booking online through the booking button below.