Disc Problems

There are lots of terms used for disc problems: ‘slipped disc’, ‘ruptured disc’, ‘herniated disc’ and ‘strained disc’ most of which can cause lower back pain and sciatica (see below). Osteopaths receive special training in both neurology (nervous system) and musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc.) so are often able to help with disc problems. It might not be possible to return a ‘slipped’ disc to its original positions, it is possible to create an environment in your spine to allow your body to do this itself. This can be achieved with gentle treatment of muscles, ligaments, using traction and stretch techniques that will hasten the flattening of the disc, and a return to normality. Advice and exercises have been shown to help enormously.