Physiotherapy for Disc Injuries in London
Disc Injuries
Are you experiencing ongoing pain or stiffness in your back? A disc injury might be the reason. Disc injuries can make everyday movements feel sharp, tight, or unpredictable, but they’re also treatable. Physit provides expert, hands-on care to your home, helping ease pain, build strength, and give your spine the support it needs.
What Is a Disc Injury?
Between each bone in your spine (called vertebrae) sits a soft, cushion-like structure known as a disc. These discs act like little shock absorbers, which help your spine bend, twist, and move smoothly without the bones rubbing together.
Sometimes, a disc can become irritated or damaged. You might hear terms like bulging disc, herniated disc, or slipped disc, and these all refer to slightly different ways the disc can be pressed out of place or change shape. In other cases, a disc can degenerate or wear down gradually over time.
When this happens, you might feel back or neck pain, stiffness, or even tingling, numbness, or weakness if the disc is pressing on a nearby nerve. Pain may stay in one spot or travel down your arm or leg. A common example of this is a condition called sciatica, when a disc presses on the nerve running down the back of your leg.
The good news? Disc injuries are common and can often improve with the right support. You don’t have to jump straight to surgery; movement-based care like physiotherapy can help reduce your pain, ease pressure on the spine, and get you back to doing the things you love.
Common Symptoms of Disc Injuries
A disc injury doesn’t always feel the same for everyone, but there are a few symptoms that tend to show up most often. You might notice:
- Localised pain in the back or neck, often on one side
- Pain that radiates into the arm, leg, or buttock, commonly called sciatica when it affects the lower body
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in a limb, which may come and go depending on your movement or position
- Stiffness or reduced flexibility, making it harder to turn, reach, or get moving in the morning
- Discomfort with bending, twisting, or prolonged sitting, especially if your back feels “locked up” or tight
These symptoms can make everyday tasks, like walking, lifting a shopping bag, driving, or even getting dressed, feel anywhere from somewhat challenging to downright painful. Physiotherapy can help you reclaim your life: your time and what you can do with it.
What Can Increase Your Risk of a Disc Injury?
Disc injuries can happen for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes they are caused by a single awkward movement, and other times from everyday habits that build up over time. Here are a few common factors that may put you at greater risk.
- Age-related disc wear and dehydration: As we get older, spinal discs naturally lose some of their fluid and flexibility, making them more prone to injury or irritation.
- Poor posture, especially when sitting or lifting: Slouching at a desk, hunching over your devices, or lifting without using the proper techniques can put extra strain on your spine.
- Repetitive bending, twisting, or heavy lifting: Movements that are done often (especially without good support) can lead to gradual wear or a sudden strain on the discs.
- Previous back injuries: Old strains or spinal issues can leave certain areas of your spine more vulnerable, even if they have seemed to settle down over time.
- Weak core or back muscles: Your core acts like a natural support system for your spine. If those muscles aren’t doing their job, your back may be required to take on more of the load than it should.
- Long periods of inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle: When we don’t move enough, the muscles that support the spine can grow weak, and the joints can become stiff, both of which increases the risk of disc issues.
What Causes Disc Injuries?
Disc injuries can come on suddenly, or they can slowly build up over time without you even realising it. They’re a lot more common than you might think, and in many cases, they can be managed without the need for surgery. Here are some of the most common causes.
- Sudden strain or lifting injury: One wrong move, like lifting something heavy with poor form or twisting awkwardly, can put a lot of pressure on a spinal disc and cause it to bulge or tear.
- Repetitive stress over time: Certain movements like bending, reaching, or twisting (especially if done often or incorrectly) can gradually wear down a disc and lead to discomfort or nerve irritation.
- Age-related degeneration: As we age, our discs can naturally lose some of their ability to cushion our spine properly. They may become thinner, drier, and less flexible, which increases the risk of irritation or injury.
- Prolonged poor posture or body mechanics: Slouching, hunching, or sitting for long periods of time without the proper posture or support can place uneven pressure on the spine, which over time, may lead to disc problems.
How Physit Treats Disc Injuries
When your back isn’t feeling right, even the simplest movements can be painful, and that’s when the right support really matters. At Physit, we bring our expert physiotherapy services, equipment and all, to your home. Your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment and create a treatment plan complete with exercises to reduce pressure on your disc injury.
We don’t just treat the symptoms. We take the time to understand what’s really going on and build a plan that works for your body, your pace, and your everyday life. Here’s a look at what your treatment may include.
- Gentle manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to ease tension in the muscles and joints, reduce stiffness, and help your spine move more freely. This may include medical acupuncture depending on your comfort level and needs.
- Targeted core strengthening: Simple, but effective exercises that can help build up the muscles that support your spine, so your back feels more stable and less strained.
- Postural and flexibility work: Helping you improve how you sit, stand, and move throughout the day to reduce any unnecessary stress on your discs.
- Helpful movement advice: Clear guidance on how to safely lift, pace your activity, and move in a way that is best for healing, without having to give up the things you enjoy.
- Tailored care plans with ongoing support: We’ll check in regularly, adjust your exercises as needed, and make sure your progress stays on track.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Disc Injuries
1. What’s the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?
A bulging disc happens when the outer layer of the disc stretches outwards, often without breaking. A herniated disc means part of the disc’s inner material has pushed through a tear in that outer layer. Both can cause pain or nerve symptoms, but they’re just different levels of the same type of issue, and both can often be managed with physiotherapy.
2. Do I need an MRI to start physiotherapy?
Not necessarily. While an MRI can be helpful in certain cases, many disc-related issues can be assessed through a detailed conversation and movement-based examination. At Physit, we focus on how your body moves and how you’re feeling, so we can start helping without any delays.
3. Can disc injuries heal without surgery?
Yes. In many cases, disc injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment. With the right mix of guided exercise, hands-on therapy, and movement education, most people find that they can reduce their pain and be a great deal more comfortable without needing an operation. We do not guarantee this will be true for every patient we see.
4. Do I need a referral to work with Physit for a disc issue?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with Physit, and one of our experienced physiotherapists will come to your home for a full assessment. From there, we’ll build a treatment plan that fits your needs and boosts your recovery.
Let’s Get Your Back Feeling Like It Should
Tired of that nagging back pain or nerve twinge? You don’t have to just live with it. Physit gives you expert, hands-on physiotherapy right in your home, easing away pressure on your spine, improving how you move, and helping you feel stronger day by day.
