Your spine is a structure of bones that are stacked on top of each other. These vertebrae have discs between them that act as a buffer. As you go about your day, these discs absorb the shock from activities like jumping, walking, and lifting objects. Without these disks, the vertebrae lose their protective cushioning.

The term slipped disc refers to the protrusion of one of these discs due to a number of reasons. This slipped—or herniated—disc can cause pain and discomfort to you. The situation is made worse when the herniated disc puts pressure on your nerves, whether that is the sciatic nerve or others.

How do you know you have a slipped disc?

Regardless of where the disc is located, slipped discs are normally characterized by excruciating pain. A disc near the neck may cause discomfort in it, along with reducing the range of motion of your neck. Herniated discs near the lower back will lead to pain in that region. In some instances, a slipped disc may put pressure on the sciatic nerve and lead to sciatica. With five in ten Canadians experiencing lower back pain at some point in their lives, slipped discs are commonly experienced.

Another way a herniated disc may affect you is by causing weakness and loss of muscle strength in that region. Your back, or other limbs, may experience weakness and fatigue. This pain or discomfort is often exacerbated when you do certain movements that strain it.

Can it be treated?

Slipped discs can be treated in a number of ways that don’t require invasive surgery. Rest is one passive treatment for herniated discs, requiring you to stay in bed to relieve the pain and allow your body to readjust to its normal state. This, coupled with hot compresses, can make a difference to the discomfort you feel. The stiffness you’re experiencing in your neck or back as a result can be alleviated with the help of rest and heat packs.

Another means of treating a slipped disc is through low-impact exercises. Gradually building up with gentle exercise can help by making your body return to its normal functioning faster. It is cautioned to take it slowly and cease the exercise if the pain persists.

Medication is often considered as a pain reliever, as opposed to a treatment. Back pain and discomfort can be managed with painkilling injections or tablets.

Physiotherapy is probably one of the more popular options for alleviating back pain and the aftermath of a slipped disc. The directed exercises and movements can reduce the pressure on your nerves and, thus, lead to relief from the constant pain.

A physiotherapist can also help correct your posture and address the holistic changes you need to make to your life in order to treat, and avoid, a slipped disc.

Kinesiotaping is a method that is employed to provide support to the muscles and allow better drainage to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is often employed as a way to allow your body to regenerate and recuperate after you have experienced a herniated disc.

The after-effects of a slipped disc can exacerbate if left untreated, get treated at SEMI’s centre for regenerative therapy in Toronto. Go through our range of services and get a customised treatment to address your needs. Get in touch with our expert physiotherapists and book a consultation now.