- 3 Blackberry Court, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, MK7 7PB
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This is also called a prolapsed disc, herniated disc or disc protrusion. A disc is made up of a softer centre, and a tough fibrous external ring. In some cases, the soft centre can push into a tear in the tough fibrous exterior, this is called a ‘slipped disc’. This can cause irritation of surrounding nerves, resulting in pain, numbness and weakness in the arms or legs depending on the location of the slipped disc.
Slipped discs (prolapsed/herniated) are usually a result of gradual, age related wear and tear. Most people are unable to pinpoint the exact cause, although it can be caused by twisting and turning whilst lifting. Arm or leg pain (sciatica) may occur depending on the location of the slipped disc.
RED FLAG SYMPTOMS
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
There will be an in-depth case history and physical examination, including a neurological assessment. Usually these tests are all that is required to form the diagnosis, however in some cases further diagnostic imaging may be required such as an MRI scan
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and all of our practitioners can examine you to determine if you have a slipped disc. If your pain is very severe, book in with one of the doctors for a consultation to see if a spinal injection would be appropriate. Once your pain is reduced it would be best to see a physio, osteopath or chiropractor for further treatment and a strengthening programme. You can see any of our practitioners for most conditions but check out their profiles for more information and specific interests.
Check out our services pages to find out more about these therapies. Practitioners are trained to treat most conditions but do this in slightly different ways. They work together to find the best treatment most suited to your condition.
Relative rest and gentle stretches may relieve sciatic or low back pain caused by slipped disc. Physical therapies from an osteopath, chiropractor or physio such as manipulation, acupuncture and massage can be helpful and may speed recovery. In very severe or long lasting cases, caudal epidurals and nerve root blocks will help settle the inflammation.
Just wanted to say please pass my thanks to my osteopath, I came yesterday with terrible back and shoulder pain and today I am pain free, am well delighted as had a day planned with friends was worried I wouldn’t enjoy, please pass my thanks onto her.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Lorena has changed my life. Four months ago, having been diagnosed as having “severe, acute and chronic” disc degeneration I genuinely thought I was facing a life of disability (I am 49).
Lorena has re-taught me how to move my body and how to think about what muscles I engage to a point that I am now running, swimming and doing pilates again and have almost full flexibility in my spine. It almost feels like Lorena can see through your skin to your muscles, so profound is her understanding of how the body moves.
Following treatment at Blackberry Clinic, Milton Keynes my back pain improved and I could play for my country again
After a course of Prolotherapy my back pain has gone and I live a normal life. I can’t thank Dr Petrides enough for giving me back my quality of life
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