Conditions
Slipped disc treated with osteopathy
Treated by Philip Waldman D.O. FSCCO, Registered Osteopath at Chelsea SW10 and Brighton & Hove BN3
What is a slipped disc?
The intervertebral discs are the shock-absorbing pads that sit between each of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Each disc has a tough outer ring (the annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like centre (the nucleus pulposus). A slipped disc — more accurately called a herniated, prolapsed or bulging disc — occurs when the outer ring is weakened or damaged and the soft inner material pushes outwards through it.
This bulging disc material can press on the nearby spinal nerves, causing pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness. In the lower back, a herniated disc commonly causes sciatica — pain and neurological symptoms radiating down the leg. In the neck, a herniated disc can cause pain, numbness or weakness radiating into the arm and hand.
Causes of disc herniation
Discs are subjected to considerable force throughout daily life. They can herniate as a result of a sudden injury — such as lifting a heavy weight with poor technique — or through a gradual process of degeneration and repeated minor stress. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and restricted movement in other parts of the spine that forces the lumbar discs to absorb more load than they should are all contributing factors that Philip Waldman addresses as part of treatment.
Modern imaging has shown that disc herniations can resolve naturally over time — and that the severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the size of the herniation. Osteopathy supports this natural recovery process by reducing load on the disc, improving circulation to the affected area and restoring normal movement to the whole spine.
How Philip Waldman treats slipped disc
Philip Waldman D.O. FSCCO treats disc-related problems at his Chelsea and Brighton & Hove clinics. Treatment focuses on reducing the load on the affected disc, relieving muscle spasm in the surrounding area, and improving movement through the parts of the spine that are contributing to the problem by being too restricted. Cranial osteopathic techniques are sometimes used alongside conventional techniques where the tissues are too sensitive for direct manipulation.
Philip will also provide specific rehabilitation exercises and advice on positions and activities to avoid during recovery. Where he considers that imaging or specialist assessment would be beneficial, he will refer you appropriately.
Frequently asked questions