A slipped disc (herniated or prolapsed disc) occurs when a spinal disc bulges out of place, pressing on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the lower back and legs. Chiropractic care may help relieve symptoms through gentle spinal adjustments and exercises designed to reduce pressure on the affected disc and improve mobility. Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive option that some people find beneficial for managing pain without the need for surgery or medication. However, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified health professional to rule out more serious conditions.
Slipped discs, more correctly known as disc prolapses or herniations, are fairly common in the UK, especially in adults over 30. This condition occurs when the soft discs between the spine’s bones bulge or herniate, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the lower back. The pain can radiate out along course of the irritated nerves, most commonly going down the leg and is known as sciatica. The severity can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it hard to move, work, or even sleep.
Chiropractic care can be an effective, non-invasive treatment for sciatica. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to relieve pressure on the affected area, aiming to reduce pain and improve mobility as well as rehabilitative exercises and advice. Many people prefer this approach because it can avoid the need for surgery or medication.
The financial costs of slipped discs are high due to missed workdays, lost productivity, and the need for healthcare treatments. NHS resources are often spent on pain management, physiotherapy, and sometimes surgery. For those suffering, the condition can limit daily activities and significantly reduce their quality of life. Chiropractic care can offer a natural way to help.
In the low back a slipped disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, can cause various symptoms depending on where the disc is pressing on a nerve. The most common symptom is sharp pain in the back or down the legs, often described as shooting or burning. You might also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the muscles. Some people find it hard to move or stand up straight due to the pain. Symptoms can range from mild to very painful.
In severe cases, it can affect your ability to control your bladder or bowels, which is a medical emergency know as Cauda Equina Syndrome and requires immediate medical referral.
A slipped disc, also called a disc prolapse or herniation, happens when one of the soft, cushion-like discs between the bones in your spine gets damaged or bulges out of its normal place. This can happen due to excessive sitting, heavy lifting, sudden twisting, or simply wear and tear over time. Poor posture or being overweight can add extra pressure on your spine, increasing the risk of a slipped disc. Sometimes, the disc presses on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, especially in the back, legs, or arms. It’s more common as we get older because the discs naturally lose flexibility.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a slipped disc, such as back pain, numbness, or leg weakness, it’s important to consult a qualified and statutorily registered health professional, like a chiropractor, for an accurate diagnosis. While a slipped disc is a common cause of these symptoms, more serious conditions, like cauda equina syndrome, spinal infections, tumours, or nerve damage, can present similar signs. A chiropractor is trained to assess your symptoms, rule out these more serious or sinister causes which require medical referral, and provide the correct treatment. By ensuring a proper diagnosis, you can avoid complications and receive the right care or referrals if needed.
Chiropractic care for patients with slipped discs in the lower back can involve both hands-on and passive techniques. Hands-on adjustments aim to realign the spine and improve its function, reducing pressure on the affected disc and nerves, which can relieve pain and improve mobility. Chiropractors may also use gentle, passive techniques like the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT). SOT involves precisely placing padded wedges under the the spine and pelvis of a patient who is laying face down. The effect of gravity then gently introduces the desired changes to the alignment of the pelvis and low back.
In addition to these treatments, chiropractors often recommend rehabilitative exercises. These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support the spine, improving posture, and increasing flexibility to prevent further injury. By combining spinal adjustments with exercises, chiropractic care aim to reduce pain, improve movement, and support long-term recovery from slipped discs.
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