This question gets asked a lot! So here is a summary for those of you who want to know what happens after a disc is herniated.
A disc herniation, sometimes called a ruptured disc, slipped disc or protrusion, is a common presentation at our physical therapy practice.
It’s most often a lumbar (low back) disc and causes low back pain that can radiate to the leg or foot, often referred to as sciatica or radicular leg pain. Disc herniations in the neck are also common and can cause similar symptoms into the shoulder, arm or hand.
The disc is a fibrous joint between to vertebrae and permits motion of the spine. The middle of the disc is like jelly and can push out through the outer wall much like the jelly squeezed out of a jelly doughnut. This is a herniation and can happen if the outer layer of the disc is weakened or damaged from injury, repetitive stress or strain or degeneration over time.
Like most tissues in the body the disc can heal but it leaves behind a scar that may be weaker and susceptible to re-injury.
Initially, the herniated disc material will cause inflammation and swelling. When this settles down the disc herniation will shrink in size, lose water content and become partially resorbed. The wall of the disc will heal with scar tissue that will gradually knit together and improve its strength over time to the point where it will prevent further herniation or bulging.
The healing can be facilitated with physical therapy to ensure a swift and optimal recovery and return to normal activities such as bending, lifting and sports.
A Physical Therapist will evaluate and diagnose a disc injury and provide the best management to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life. Treatment will include manual therapy such as massage to the muscles to reduce spasm and improve pain, and exercises to develop muscular control and support of the joints of the spine. Typically, a physical therapy program will start slow and progress with an individual as their symptoms permit, gradually increasing movement and stress applied to the healing disc to facilitate the body’s natural healing.
