The Injury Hub

Ruptured Disc: Info, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of a ruptured disc.

The Injury Hub: Ruptured Disc

What is a ruptured disc?

Ruptured discs are most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called degeneration of the disc. As you age, your spinal discs lose some of their water content, making them less flexible and more prone to rupturing. Many causes of ruptured disc stems from people using their back muscles instead of leg and thigh muscles to lift heavy objects. Twisting and turning while lifted can also be the cause for a ruptured disc.

Although less frequent, a fall or blow to the back can also cause a herniated disc. A herniated disc is another cause of back pain, sometimes called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc.

As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary, known as a herniated disc. This can irritate the nerve and result in pain, numbness or weakness in your back, leg or arm.

Man with hands on lower back because of back pain or ruptured disc

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common ruptured disc symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

You can have a herniated disc without knowing it, as herniated discs sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disc problem, however, some herniated discs can be painful. The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disc are pain, numbness and weakness in your lower back and leg, or in your neck, shoulder and arm. Some people often experience sciatica, a pain that starts in the buttock and extends down the back or side of one leg. Low back pain or leg pain that worsens when you sit.

A herniated disc generally gets better with conservative treatment. Surgery for a herniated disc usually isn’t necessary. Treatment of a herniated disc depends on a number of factors such as age of the patient, activity levels of the patient and symptoms experienced. Our Chartered Physiotherapists can provide personalised lumbar stabilisation exercises, which will not directly affect the disc, but they can stabilise the lumbar spine muscles.

This has an effect of decreasing the load experienced by the disc and vertebrae. Stronger, well balanced muscles help control the lumbar spine and minimize the risk or injury to the nerves and the disc. Our Physios not only advise you on how to exercise safely but also on what types of exercise are suitable for your age and condition.

Our physiotherapists are highly trained and qualified to provide expert care to our patients. They are fully insured and are chartered by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).

We have team of Clinical leads who visits our physios and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.

Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Sunday: Closed

*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics

This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.

Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Call Us: 01 611 1740

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