Discogenic Low Back Pain

What is Discogenic Low Back Pain?

Discs connect the vertebrae in our spine and act as shock distributors in addition to allowing/limiting movement. Discogenic lower back pain is one of the most common forms of lower back pain, commonly referred to as “slipping a disc”, although what actually happens is a disc bulge or herniation, depending on severity.

What Are the Causes?

A disc can be injured via sudden trauma or gradually over time. Common mechanisms include lifting something heavy, sometimes in combination with a twist or repetitively bending down to pick something off the floor. In addition to repeated heavy lifting, sitting for long periods also places great stress on the discs of the lower back, and is another common cause of injury.

What Exercises Are Good for Discogenic Low Back Pain?

Everyone’s injury will present differently, and one exercise doesn’t fit all, although one exercise that typically works well during the initial phase is repeated extensions in prone (aka Cobras). I would typically recommend doing 2 sets of 10, 2-3 times per day, provided your back feels better after doing them.

What Should I Avoid?

As most disc disruptions occur posteriorly (backwards) and laterally (to the side), ­flexion (forward bending) and/or ­flexion with rotation activities are typically avoided early on. Long periods of sitting, in particular sitting unsupported is also something to avoid during the initial painful phase.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

Most episodes of discogenic low back pain last between 6-12 weeks, although the painful acute phase should only last about 2-4 weeks.

Is It Okay to Exercise with Discogenic Low Back Pain?

It is okay to go for gentle walks during the initial phase of discogenic low back pain. As your pain and movement improve, you can gradually return to low load/impact exercises that don’t involve too much forward bending (flexion) and eventually progress back into your usual activities.

If you would like someone to help make sense of your pain, please call us at (02) 8411 2050. At Thornleigh Performance Physiotherapy, we can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment, to help you get back in action as soon as possible. We are conveniently located near Beecroft, Cherrybrook, Hornsby, Normanhurst, Pennant Hills, Waitara, Wahroonga, Westleigh, West Pennant Hills, and West Pymble.