The Injury Hub
Ruptured Disc: Info, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Treatment.
Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of a ruptured disc.
The Injury Hub: Ruptured Disc
What is a ruptured disc?
Ruptured discs are most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called degeneration of the disc. As you age, your spinal discs lose some of their water content, making them less flexible and more prone to rupturing. Many causes of ruptured disc stems from people using their back muscles instead of leg and thigh muscles to lift heavy objects. Twisting and turning while lifted can also be the cause for a ruptured disc.
Although less frequent, a fall or blow to the back can also cause a herniated disc. A herniated disc is another cause of back pain, sometimes called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc.
As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary, known as a herniated disc. This can irritate the nerve and result in pain, numbness or weakness in your back, leg or arm.
How We Can Help.
Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.
Learn about common ruptured disc symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.
Symptoms Of A Ruptured Disc
You can have a herniated disc without knowing it, as herniated discs sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disc problem, however, some herniated discs can be painful. The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disc are pain, numbness and weakness in your lower back and leg, or in your neck, shoulder and arm. Some people often experience sciatica, a pain that starts in the buttock and extends down the back or side of one leg. Low back pain or leg pain that worsens when you sit.
Treatment With Physiotherapy
A herniated disc generally gets better with conservative treatment. Surgery for a herniated disc usually isn’t necessary. Treatment of a herniated disc depends on a number of factors such as age of the patient, activity levels of the patient and symptoms experienced. Our Chartered Physiotherapists can provide personalised lumbar stabilisation exercises, which will not directly affect the disc, but they can stabilise the lumbar spine muscles.
This has an effect of decreasing the load experienced by the disc and vertebrae. Stronger, well balanced muscles help control the lumbar spine and minimize the risk or injury to the nerves and the disc. Our Physios not only advise you on how to exercise safely but also on what types of exercise are suitable for your age and condition.
Our Expertise
Our physiotherapists are highly trained and qualified to provide expert care to our patients. They are fully insured and are chartered by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
We have team of Clinical leads who visits our physios and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.
Our patient’s health journeys
How Much Does It Cost?
Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.
What Are Your Clinic Hours?
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics
Where Is This Service Available?
This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.
Am I Covered By Health Insurance?
We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.
How Do I Contact You?
Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Call Us: 01 611 1740
Spectrum Physio
You’re In Good Hands.
We’ve treated over 250,000 patients across our nationwide clinics.
