Disc disorders of back Expert at Arunalaya post thumbnail image

Expert Disc Disorders of Back Treatment in Delhi

disc disorders of back
Book Appointment

What is Disc disorders of back ?

Disc disorders of the back encompass a range of conditions affecting the intervertebral discs, which are the soft, cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae (bones) of the spine. These discs act as shock absorbers, provide flexibility, and allow for movement of the spine. When they are damaged or degenerate, they can cause significant pain and other symptoms.

Common Disc Disorders of the Back
  • Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): This is a common age-related condition where the intervertebral discs lose their hydration, flexibility, and height over time. While the term “disease” is used, it’s often a natural part of aging, and not everyone with DDD experiences pain. However, it can lead to:
    • Loss of disc height: Reduces the space between vertebrae, potentially leading to nerve compression or facet joint irritation.
    • Bone spurs (osteophytes): The body’s attempt to stabilize the spine, which can further narrow the spinal canal or nerve pathways.
    • Inflammation: The breakdown products of the disc can irritate nearby nerves.
  • Disc Bulge: In a disc bulge, the outer layer of the disc (annulus fibrosus) weakens and protrudes outwards, often uniformly around the circumference or on one side. The inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) does not fully escape, but the bulge can still press on nerves or cause pain.
  • Disc Herniation (Slipped Disc, Ruptured Disc, Prolapsed Disc): This occurs when the inner gel-like nucleus pushes through a tear or crack in the outer annulus. The herniated material can directly compress spinal nerves or the spinal cord, leading to more severe symptoms. Herniations are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
  • Discitis: A rare but serious infection of the intervertebral disc.
Symptoms of Disc Disorders of the Back
Symptoms vary depending on the type of disc disorder, its location (lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine), and whether it is compressing nerves or the spinal cord.
General Symptoms
  • Back Pain: This is the most common symptom. It can be:
  • Localized: Felt directly in the area of the affected disc.
  • Radiating (Radiculopathy): Pain that travels along the path of a nerve. For example:
  • Sciatica: Pain from a lumbar disc issue that radiates down the buttocks, thigh, calf, and sometimes to the foot.
  • Cervical Radiculopathy: Pain from a neck disc issue that radiates into the shoulder, arm, and hand.
  • Worsened by certain activities: Bending, twisting, lifting, prolonged sitting or standing, coughing, sneezing, or straining.
  • Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of pins and needles or a loss of feeling in the areas supplied by the affected nerve.
  • Weakness: Muscles controlled by the compressed nerve may become weak, leading to difficulty with specific movements (e.g., foot drop, difficulty gripping objects).
  • Muscle Spasms: Tightness and involuntary contractions of muscles around the affected spinal segment.
  • Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty bending, twisting, or straightening the back or neck.
Physiotherapy for Disc Disorders

Pain Management and Education

  • Pain Relief Modalities: Application of heat or cold packs to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.
  • Activity Modification: Guidance on avoiding postures or movements that exacerbate pain.
  • Education: Understanding the condition, pain mechanisms, and strategies for self-management.
  • Ergonomic Advice: Recommendations for improving posture at work, home, and during daily activities (e.g., proper lifting techniques).

Manual Therapy

  • Joint Mobilization: Gentle, controlled movements applied to spinal joints to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
  • Traction: Applying a gentle pulling force to the spine (manual or mechanical) to create space and decompress nerves.
  • Soft Tissue Release/Massage: Addressing muscle tension, spasms, and trigger points in surrounding muscles.
  • Myofascial Release: Releasing restrictions in the connective tissue (fascia) to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
  • Neural Mobilization/Nerve Glides: Specific exercises to improve the movement of nerves that might be restricted or irritated.

Therapeutic Exercise

  • Core Stability and Strengthening: Essential for supporting the spine. Exercises target the deep abdominal muscles (transversus abdominis) and multifidus, which stabilize the spine. Examples include planks, bird-dog, pelvic tilts.
  • Spinal Mobility Exercises: Gentle movements to restore normal range of motion without increasing pain (e.g., cat-camel, gentle rotations).
  • Flexibility and Stretching: Stretching tight muscles (hamstrings, hip flexors, piriformis, chest muscles) that can contribute to spinal dysfunction.
  • Postural Exercises: Exercises to strengthen muscles that support good posture.
  • General Conditioning and Aerobic Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to improve overall fitness, circulation, and reduce weight burden on the spine.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Working Hours

Mon - Sat: 9:00AM to 8:30PM
Sunday: 9:30AM to 7:30PM

Call Us

+91 8090080906
+91 8090080907
+91 8866991000




    Add Your Heading Text Here

    Want to be a physical therapist ? Check Physioneeds Academy