Disc Herniations & Prolapses
Osteopath for slipped discs in Southend
What is a Slipped Disc?
In simple terms, a slipped disc occurs when a spinal disc bulges and irritates nearby nerves, often causing back pain or sciatica.
Although the terms disc herniation & prolapse are often used interchangeably, there is an important distinction. If you think of the disc being a jam doughnut, a prolapse is when the dough bulges out from in-between the two connecting vertebra, and a herniation is when the doughnut wall breaks and the jam spills out.
Although the terms disc herniation & prolapse are often used interchangeably, there is an important distinction. If you think of the disc being a jam doughnut, a prolapse is when the dough bulges out from in-between the two connecting vertebra, and a herniation is when the doughnut wall breaks and the jam spills out.
Slipped Disc Symptoms
- Lower back or neck pain
- Pain travelling down the leg or arm
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
Causes of disc prolapse
- Poor lifting technique
- Prolonged sitting
- Sudden strain
- Sporting injury
- Bad posture
How Osteopathy Assesses the Problem
Your osteopath may assess:
- Spinal mobility
- Muscle tension
- Posture
- Lifestyle factors
- Skin sensation & muscle strength (neurological exam)
Osteopathic Treatment for Slipped Discs in Southend
At our clinic in Leigh-on-sea, we provide hands-on osteopathic care for slipped discs, helping to:
- Reduce nerve irritation
- Improve spinal mobility
- Relieve pain and stiffness
- Improve posture for longer term relief
Why Choose Southend Osteopaths?
- Our principal osteopath specialises in disc-related issues and has over 10 years experience in the field
- Personalised treatment plans
- Convenient location for Leigh-on-sea, Chalkwell and Westcliff residents
Can Osteopathy Cure Slipped Discs?
It depends on the cause, but in most cases disc-related issues respond very well to osteopathic treatment in the short to medium term. Our osteopath focuses not just on short-term pain relief but also on addressing the predisposing factors to avoid reoccurrence.
Supported By Research
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of lower back pain and sciatica, osteopathic treatment should be considered as part of a treatment package that includes exercise and psychological support.
Long Term Prevention
- Exercises and stretches
- Addressing postural abnormalities
- Optimising ergonomics
- Managing stress levels
- Regular maintenance - osteopathy, massage and acupuncture
Looking for an osteopath to help with a slipped disc?
If you want to find an osteopath to help with disc herniations and disc prolapses in Leigh-on-sea then try our principal osteopath, Michael Snell.
