Herniated Disc and Sciatica

Your spine is composed of alternating segments of vertebrae (bone) and discs (gel filled cushion).  A major nerve, called the sciatic nerve, branches from your lower spine, through your buttocks, and travels down the back of each leg.  When the gel like material in the disc pushes out of its casing, this is called a herniated disc.  When this bulge compresses on the sciatic nerve, it is called sciatica and results in pain and numbness in the affected leg.  A herniated disc is often the result of a lifting injury.  

How our physiotherapists can help

A herniated disc with resulting sciatica is a serious and very painful condition.  After a thorough spinal and neurological assessment to confirm the diagnosis, our physiotherapists will address the pain and inflammation in your back with the use of modalities such as ultrasound, TENS and interferential current.  Manual or mechanical traction will be introduced at the appropriate time to decompress the spine and relieve the pressure on the nerve, resulting in decreased back and leg pain.  To further help decrease symptoms, proper exercises will be given to relieve the stress placed on the nerve.  Education on what positions to avoid in order to not exacerbate your symptoms will be reviewed with you.  The final stage of your rehabilitation will involve strengthening the appropriate muscles to prevent future re-injury.   Book an appointment today to let us help you overcome this painful injury and put you on the road to recovery!