Slipped disc - get moving healthily

Slipped disc - get moving healthily

Modern therapeutic approaches in physiotherapy and occupational therapy

A slipped disc - also known medically as a prolapsed disc - is a shock for many people. Sudden severe pain, radiation, restricted movement, perhaps even loss of sensation or strength. But don't panic: In over 90 % of cases, surgery is not necessary. Instead, individually tailored, conservative therapies - particularly physiotherapy and occupational therapy - help to alleviate pain, regain mobility and prevent relapses.

What exactly happens with a slipped disc?

The intervertebral discs lie like small shock absorbers between the vertebral bodies. They consist of a soft gelatinous core(nucleus pulposus) and a firm fibrous ring(annulus fibrosus). In the event of a prolapse, this fibrous ring tears and parts of the gelatinous nucleus come out - sometimes with pressure on the surrounding nerves.

Typical symptoms:

• Sudden, sometimes stabbing back pain

• Radiating pain (e.g. into the leg in the case of lumbar prolapse)

• Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness

• Increased pain on exertion, coughing, sneezing

Important: Not every slipped disc causes symptoms. And not every back pain automatically means a herniated disc.

Conservative therapy - why surgery is usually not necessary

The current medical guidelines speak a clear language: surgery is only advisable in cases of neurological deficits or structural compression with persistent deficits. In most cases, the recommendation is: exercise, education, patience - and targeted therapy.

Physiotherapy for herniated discs - stability, mobility, pain regulation

After the acute phase, the aim of physiotherapy is to improve mobility, analyse functional relationships and stabilize them in a targeted manner. Vegetative reactions (e.g. muscle tone, breathing behavior) are also taken into account.

Therapeutic focus:

• Individually dosed mobilization of the spine

• Stabilization of the deep trunk muscles (e.g. via sensorimotor training)

• Training functional movement patterns (walking, standing up, turning)

• Building movement safety and body confidence

• Medical yoga to regulate breathing, stress and tension

Principle: exercise instead of rest - but adapted and with professional support.

Occupational therapy - getting back to everyday life

For many sufferers, a slipped disc means loss of control, insecurity and withdrawal. This is exactly where occupational therapy comes in - functional, close to everyday life, solution-oriented.

Central contents of occupational therapy treatment:

• Back-friendly everyday behavior (e.g. lifting, sitting, working, housework)

• Pacing and energy management - how can I challenge myself without overextending myself?

• Structuring everyday life in case of pain or exhaustion

• Ergonomic workplace advice (especially for people with sedentary jobs)

• Return to work, family and leisure activities

Occupational therapy not only provides functional support - it also strengthens self-efficacy and competence in dealing with pain and limitations.

Pain is more than just disc damage - biopsychosocial thinking

At Hockenholz, we work according to the biopsychosocial model. This means that we not only look at the structure, but also at the person in their experience, behavior and social context.

In concrete terms, this means

• Clarification of the development and processing of pain

• Reduction of anxiety, protective behavior and pain avoidance

• Vegetative regulation (e.g. via breathing, relaxation, body awareness)

• Active co-design of the therapy by the patients themselves

Because if you understand what is happening in your own body, you can deal with it in a more targeted and relaxed way.

Conclusion: A slipped disc is not the end of your back's career

A slipped disc is not a catastrophe - but a challenge that can be overcome with targeted, well-founded support. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy offer effective, holistic ways to reduce pain, regain movement and prevent relapses. An individual, mindful and active approach is crucial - and it doesn't just start in rehab.

Are you a therapist and would like to train in the field of pain therapy and spinal disorders?
Then take a look at our practical training courses on functional movement, medical yoga and psychosomatic support:
👉 www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen

Are you affected yourself?
In our practice in Berlin or online, we will support you individually - with experience, empathy and evidence-based know-how.