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October 2006
I was told that I have a “slipped disc” in my back. What does this mean and how could physical therapy help my pain?
The term “slipped disc” is a very common term used loosely to describe a number of injuries to the discs in our spine. Disc injuries range from a small crack or cut in the wall of the disc to a “herniated disc” or leaking of the discs inner fluid out into the space that the spinal nerve occupies as it exits the spine. A “herniation” occurs usually after a number of smaller disc injuries have occurred that over time weaken the wall of the disc allowing the fluid in the central part of the disc to escape the wall of the disc. The pain associated with these injuries ranges from isolated lower back pain to pain going down the leg with possible numbness/tingling and muscle weakness if the nerve is irritated. All disc injuries are a result of weakening of the spinal muscles and ligaments that are no longer able to protect the disc from stress that we place on them on a daily basis. Physical Therapy is very successful in treating the entire range of injuries that can occur to the disc and its associated pain. Exercises, hands on treatments and modalities (such as electrical stimulation) are used that lessen the pain and improve the patient’s flexibility. Then the patient is taken through strengthening exercises to better support the spine and discs to prevent future injuries. Most important of all, the patient is educated about their problem and is given strategies and exercises that they can use to help treat their own pain and use in the future if needed. Dennis McEntaffer, PT |
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