The MSK Studio - spinal physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates clinic in Adelaide

Disc Herniation / Prolapsed Disc / Slipped Disc

Region affected

Lumbar / Cervical spine

Common in

Adults 30+

Onset

Acute or gradual

Related conditions

Sciatica, Discogenic Back Pain, Spinal Stenosis

A prolapsed disc, also called a disc herniation or slipped disc, occurs when the inner gel-like core of an intervertebral disc (the nucleus pulposus) breaks through the outer fibrous ring (the annulus fibrosus) and protrudes beyond the normal disc boundary. This can happen in the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and mid-back) or lumbar spine (lower back), though lumbar disc prolapse is by far the most common presentation.

The protruding disc material can press on nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, producing a range of symptoms that may be felt not only at the disc level but along the path of the affected nerve. A lumbar disc prolapse at L4/L5 or L5/S1, for example, can produce sciatic symptoms travelling into the leg and foot.

What Causes a Disc Prolapse?

Signs and Symptoms

A disc prolapse typically develops against a background of disc degeneration, where the outer layers of the disc have gradually weakened. Specific triggers and risk factors include:

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the disc prolapse and whether a nerve root is involved:

  • Pre-existing weakness in the annulus fibrosus from previous disc injury or micro-trauma
  • A sudden increase in disc pressure, such as bending and lifting with a flexed spine
  • Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting, which increases sustained intradiscal pressure
  • Excess body weight placing increased load on the lumbar discs
  • Poor spinal stability and core control
  • Repetitive heavy manual labour involving loaded bending
  • Pain with sitting, forward bending, coughing, sneezing or lifting
  • Sciatica: pain, tingling or numbness travelling down the leg from the lower back
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the arm or leg depending on the level affected
  • Muscle weakness in the affected limb
  • In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel function, this is a medical emergency known as Cauda Equina Syndrome and requires immediate assessment

What Causes a Disc Prolapse?

A disc prolapse typically develops against a background of disc degeneration, where the outer layers of the disc have gradually weakened. Specific triggers and risk factors include:

  • Pre-existing weakness in the annulus fibrosus from previous disc injury or micro-trauma
  • A sudden increase in disc pressure – such as bending and lifting with a flexed spine
  • Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting, which increases sustained intradiscal pressure
  • Excess body weight placing increased load on the lumbar discs
  • Poor spinal stability and core control
  • Repetitive heavy manual labour involving loaded bending

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the disc prolapse and whether a nerve root is involved:

  • Pain with sitting, forward bending, coughing, sneezing or lifting
  • Sciatica: pain, tingling or numbness travelling down the leg from the lower back
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the arm or leg depending on the level affected
  • Muscle weakness in the affected limb
  • In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel function – this is a medical emergency known as Cauda Equina Syndrome and requires immediate assessment

How The MSK Studio Treats
a Prolapsed Disc

The majority of disc prolapses respond well to physiotherapy. At The MSK Studio in Adelaide, assessment identifies the disc level involved, the degree of nerve irritation, and the directional preferences of the disc, which guides the specific exercises and manual therapy techniques used. Where neurological symptoms are progressive or not improving appropriately, we have direct referral pathways to Adelaide’s spinal surgeons.

Low Back Pain Physiotherapy

Related Conditions

Discogenic Back Pain

Sciatica

Cervical Radiculopathy

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