Between 60% and 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Some will have back and leg pain (sciatica) caused by a herniated disc. Although a herniated disc can be very painful and feel overwhelming, most people (70% to 90%) feel much better within just a few weeks or months with physiotherapy. The sooner you begin treatment, the better.
Here is what you need to know about this condition:
A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine, but it most often affects the lower back. You may hear terms such as a bulging disc, protrusion or extrusion. These can sound alarming, but disc problems are among the most common causes of lower back pain and the leg pain known as sciatica.
This often happens after lifting, twisting your torso, bending too far forward or sitting for a long time. The jelly-like centre of the disc can push beyond its outer ring, causing inflammation. If a nerve becomes inflamed, or if the bulge is large enough to compress the nerves that run down the leg, it can cause leg pain or sciatica.
What Are the Treatment Options?
1 – Rest
One to two days of bed rest will generally help relieve back and leg pain. However, avoid staying inactive for too long. Resume activity when you can, and try the following:
- Take breaks throughout the day and avoid sitting for long periods.
- Keep your physical movements slow and controlled, especially when bending forward and lifting.
- Modify your daily activities to avoid movements that cause pain, particularly leg pain.
- Ask your doctor about pain relief medication, usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
2 – Have a Physiotherapist Assess You
Specific directional exercises and manual techniques should be prescribed to help relieve your leg pain first, followed by your back pain. Later, make sure to do strengthening and stretching exercises to help prevent a recurrence.
3 – Epidural Steroid Injection
If conservative treatment with physiotherapy is not helping, or if pain is still too intense after eight weeks for you to progress with exercises and treatment, an injection may provide effective, though often temporary, relief from pain and inflammation.
You can continue physiotherapy afterwards to keep progressing and help prevent a recurrence.
4 – Surgery
Surgery is a last resort for a small percentage of patients and may be recommended for the following symptoms:
- Leg weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
In any case, if you are unsure which treatment is best for you, a qualified physiotherapist at our clinic can guide you after an assessment.
If you have undergone physiotherapy and we determine that you need further medical investigations or treatment, such as an injection or surgery, we will arrange the referral.
Do not keep living with pain. Book an appointment!
