November 2005

My doctor says that I have a ruptured disk.  What exactly is a ruptured disk and can physical therapy help?

Many people use the phrase ‘slipped or ruptured disk’ when they are referring to either a bulging disk or a herniated disk, both common sources of neck, low back, leg or arm pain that can cause numbness or weakness.  Disks are soft, rubbery pads found between the vertebrae (bones in the spine) from your head to your tailbone.  I like to refer to them as balloons filled with toothpaste because they are made of a thick gel that has a harder flexible covering.  A bulging (protruded) disk is when the outer portion (the balloon) starts to tear and bulges like a weakness in a balloon.  A herniated disk is when the outer portion tears enough so that the gel starts to leak out.  Both the bulged and the herniated disk can put pressure on the nerve roots which may result in pain, numbness and/or weakness.  A bulging disk can usually be treated with some stretching and strengthening exercises and posture/body mechanics training.  If you are having pain, your physician may prescribe an anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant.  Medications may decrease the symptoms but they do not correct the problem.  This is why people continue to experience episodes of pain that get worse and worse as time progresses.  If you have a herniated disk, physical therapy can help.  More aggressive treatment, such as surgery, is a last resort.  Most people with back pain can avoid surgery if treated correctly and quickly.

Dennis McEntaffer, PT