Slipped discs (radiculopathy)
Although known as a slipped disc, no slippage of the disc occurs. It actually involves a bulge (prolapse) in the disc wall (annulus) or a rupture (herniation) of the disc wall that allows the jelly-like centre of the disc (nucleus pulposus) to leak out. The annulus usually breaks down over a long period of time as a result of abnormal loading through the disc due to poor posture, past injury or poor working habits.

The symptoms vary depending on the site of the discal weakness and whether the prolapse/herniation interferes with any pain sensitive structure. It most commonly occurs right at the base of the spine. This can give absolutely no pain at all or can give varying degrees of leg and low back pain. Although quite rare, a complete herniation can cause paralysis of the foot and leg and loss of control of the bladder and bowel.

These conditions require skilled assessment, diagnosis and treatment by an osteopath, as they may lead to long-lasting damage to the sciatic nerve. It is wise not to ignore even a mild backache or severe stiffness, especially in the morning, or any pain radiating into the leg or from ‘pins and needles’ in the foot, lasting longer than a few days as these are all early signs of discal damage, which if treated swiftly may prevent a serious and painful full herniation.