Lumbar Disc Pathology

Low back pain as a result of lumbar disc pathologies can result in symptoms that vary greatly between individuals. 

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

• Low back pain that is dull, achey, sharp or shooting
• Pain that is localised to your low back, or radiates into the lower limbs
• Muscle spasms
• Pins & needles, tingling, numbness in your leg
• Symptoms location can include your low back, gluteals, hip, groin, leg or foot
• Weakness in your leg

SYMPTOMS MAY BE AGGRAVATED BY:

• Functional tasks such as squatting, bending, lifting, getting out of a chair etc.
• Postures such as prolonged sitting or standing, driving

SHORT TERM

DIAGNOSE

Diagnosis is a vital part of managing any injury. Not only is it important to determine which structures are responsible for our symptoms, but why they have become symptomatic. Addressing the ‘why’ will ensure adequate recovery and prevention of future injury.

EDUCATION

It is important that you have an understanding of your diagnosis, and what strategies are important for acute management, and reduction of future injury risk

MOTOR CONTROL

As a contributor to low back pain is often deficits in strength, endurance, stability, patterns of muscle activation etc., these need to be accurately assessed and improved

MANUAL THERAPIES

Manual therapies include: Soft tissue techniques, dry needling, joint mobilisation / manipulation etc.; these may be used to assist with symptoms

MODIFICATION OF ACTIVITY

You will often be advised to modify provocative activities to allow tissue recovery

LONG TERM

STRENGTHENING

Strengthening is a vital part of management for low back pain; this often involves progressions into a gym environment to ensure we are appropriately challenging tissues to strengthen, and improving their tolerance to daily living

REFERRAL

As with any injury, sometimes referral to other professionals is required in the management of low back pain. This may include referral for imaging, referral to your GP, or referral pain specialists or orthopaedic surgeons