The most common area for this to occur in the spine is the lumbar or lower back region. Can be caused by repeated bending, lifting due to sports or work. The pressure causes the outer layer of the disc to weaken and allows the centre gel-like nucleus to prolapse. This bulge can cause increased pain in the back and also down the back of the leg (sciatica).
Signs & symptoms:
- Increased pain on sitting and bending
- Coughing and sneezing
- Back muscle spasm
- Sciatic pain.
- Weakness or altered sensation in the buttock, hamstring, calf and foot.
The acute phase of this injury can last from a few days up to 10 days. the aim of physiotherapy is to educate the individual on gentle exercises to improve movement slowly, advice on movements to avoid in the short term and as pain resolves a rehabilitation programme to strengthen and restore normal activity levels.