At Bodies Under Construction we see a LOT of clients struggling with back pain and I mean a lot! At least 75% of our week, every week, is filled with people who have bad back. We see people with achy backs through to those in agony who literally drag themselves in to the clinic.
As it’s the most common condition we treat we are experts in this area.
With that being said, I want to talk to you about those pesky discs that we hear so much about. I am going to talk about one common myth regarding discs and successful ways to get over any disc pain or injury.
One of the most common misconceptions that we hear as Physiotherapists is that people say they have “SLIPPED THEIR DISC”. They have either decided this by consulting “Doctor Google” or they have been told this by a real doctor, health professional or listened to a family member or friend.
Do you know anyone who has been told that they have a slipped disc? I bet there is a least one person you know…….
Discs make up a key component of our spine, they are sandwiched between two of our spinal bones called vertebrae. There’s a perception out there that discs are weak and fragile.
The disc is sandwiched between 2 end plates that are very strong indeed and act like a pressure plate to ensure that there is no slipping. The end plate is in fact attached to the outer layer of the disc.
So, I bet you are now thinking if discs are so strong, why do so many people struggle with problems from them? Let me explain… discs tend to bulge not slip!…
Think about a yummy jammy doughnut… The jams sits in the middle and when we take a bite in to the doughnut what happens?…. That’s right the jam oozes out. This is similar to what happens with discs. With time, the discs can dry out, and the jam in the middle can leak through the outer lining. This is called a “disc bulge”. In more severe cases the inner material (the jam) can come through the outer layer but this is rare!
Disc problems can indeed lead to back pain that can aggravate the spinal nerve(s) causing leg pain. (Sciatica if coming from the lower levels of the lower back).
What to do if you have been told you have a slipped disc
1. Get a 2nd opinion
This really is the best way forward…. As Physiotherapists we are often best placed to review your back pain, and look at the big picture. Having a disc issue is common but we need to find out why that disc problem occurred in the first place, as there will be a reason.
2. Keep moving
Have you ever been told to rest in bed, or the floor if you back is in acute pain? Your doctor may have told you to do this. This is the worst thing you can do…why? Because you will get stiffer and weaker, which will give you more pain, not less!
3. Do the right exercises at the right time
The exact exercises will depend on how your symptoms present, but keeping active and strong is a great starting point. Please don’t take advice from friends or family about back pain, sciatica, or disc problems unless they are a qualified health professional and have fully assessed your back.
And please please, do not do exercises you find on google, facebook or any other social media channel, as even if given by health professionals they are generic exercises and not specific to you, your body and your pain problem. Bespoke exercises are ALWAYS best as you know they are tailored for your specific needs.
4. Get good quality treatment
Go see an expert in back pain treatment. You will need a bespoke treatment plan tailored for you, your symptoms and your body for back pain to resolve. This is not a one size fits all problem.
Things to look out for when choosing who is best to help treat you – anyone can put you on a machine, tell you to use ice or heat, but none of these solve the root cause of the problem. They are like a band aid treating the symptoms, and not the cause. Unfortunately you will not get pain free with this approach. If you don’t get the cause sorted out, mark my words your back pain will be back to haunt you at some point in the future!
5. Pilates
This is a great structured form of exercise to allow you to engage those core muscles, get you moving well, and help you get out of pain.
Word of warning… please choose your instructor carefully as Pilates is not a protected title and anyone can set up a class with very little training.
If you have aches and pains, it’s always best to be in a smaller class and be taught by a health professional such as a Physiotherapist as they will give you exercises that are safe, & will come round and check that you are doing the exercises correctly.
So, to round up please remember “DISCS DON’T SLIP!” They never have and they never will! But they can be helped to get better!
If you’d like more info on this, and some easy, actionable tips you can use now to start easing your back. We have a free back pain guide that we can send you. Connect with us on 020 87474 029(Chiswick) , 020 87887 804(Putney) or email us on info@bodiesunderconstruction.com and tell us what’s going on with your back. A member of the team can take your details and we can email or post a copy.
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…Meaning A Better Night’s Sleep, More Energy, Less Worry, And Above All…MORE Freedom To Do Things With LESS PAIN And Less Tension!… And That Would Be Nice, Right?
About the Author: Leslie Abrahams
Every week, for over 20 years, 100’s of people aged 30-64+ have consulted Leslie Abrahams looking for answers to concerning questions about, and for, a fast end to their health worries and physical pains and stiffness. He has previously worked and travelled with high-level athletes in the field of cycling and volleyball. Leslie also has a special interest in Spinal Treatments and Rehabilitation, lower limb injuries, and has experience dealing with patients post injury or surgery.
Leslie is a Master Trainer for the world renowned Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute(APPI). He is regular key note speaker at conferences and travels internationally to present on modified exercise for rehabilitation. Leslie is the founder of Bodies Under Construction Clinics situated in Chiswick and Putney, London. South West London’s Specialist Private Physiotherapy Practice for People in their 30’s. 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, who want to keep healthy and active.
Leslie is a Master Trainer for the world renowned Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute(APPI). He is regular key note speaker at conferences and travels internationally to present on modified exercise for rehabilitation.
Leslie is the founder of Bodies Under Construction Clinics situated in Berkshire and London. A specialist Private Physiotherapy Practice for People of all ages, but especially those in their 30’s. 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and beyond, who want to keep healthy and active.
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