What is Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (PLID) ?
Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc (PLID) is a prevalent spinal condition impacting millions globally. This disorder occurs when the soft, cushion-like substance situated between the vertebrae in the lower back, referred to as the intervertebral disc, either bulges or ruptures. Such changes can lead to the compression of nerves and the spinal cord, often resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs for numerous individuals.
We will know the treatment of PLID without surgical options at the Spine Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre (SPTRC) in Shyamoli.
Causes of Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (PLID):
Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc development can be caused by a number of factors, such as-
- Age and degeneration: The lumbar spine's intervertebral discs can lose water as people age, which makes them less flexible and more vulnerable to injury. This may result in the disc protruding or rupturing, compressing the spinal nerve system.
- Trauma: Physical trauma can result in prolapse by applying abrupt, intense pressure on the intervertebral discs, as in the case of a fall, auto accident, or sports injury.
- Poor Posture and Body Mechanics: Long periods of sitting, standing, or heaving large objects while hunching over can put too much strain on the low back pain, eventually bulging or rupturing the intervertebral discs.
- Obesity: Carrying too much weight can put strain on the lower back, causing the intervertebral discs to deteriorate and eventually prolapse.
Symptoms of Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc:
Depending on the extent and location of the damage, different PLID Treatment symptoms can appear in Bangladesh. Typical PLID symptoms consist of-
- Lower Back Pain: Lower back pain is the most typical sign of a lumbar disc herniation. It can be mild, moderate, intermittent, or severe. A surgical technique called spinal fusion unites two or more vertebrae to form a single, solid bone in order to treat lower back pain.
- Leg Pain and Numbness: The compression of spinal nerves may lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the legs, which can intensify with movement or extended periods of sitting or standing.
- Weakness in Lower Limbs: Injury to the nerves may result in weakness or impaired mobility in the legs or feet, thereby complicating the ability to walk or engage in everyday tasks.
- Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Sciatica from a prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc can result in bladder and bowel problems, including trouble passing pee or feces or loss of control, which needs to be treated right once.
- Medical History and Physical Examination: The physician will initiate the process by gathering a comprehensive medical history, inquiring about symptoms, potential risk factors, and any prior issues related to the back. Following this, a physical examination will be performed to identify any indications of pain, weakness, or numbness in the lower back and legs, while also evaluating posture, flexibility, and the range of motion.
- Imaging Tests: Diagnostic imaging techniques, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, may be utilized to verify the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the disc prolapse. These examinations can provide insights into the specific location and degree of damage affecting the intervertebral discs and adjacent structures, including bones, muscles, and nerves.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: In certain instances, nerve conduction studies may be conducted to assess the degree of nerve damage resulting from the prolapse. This procedure entails the application of small electrodes to the skin to monitor the electrical activity of the nerves and muscles in the region affected.
- Stretching Exercises: Doing stretching exercises that focus on the muscles and tendons in the front of the ankle is one of the best ways to reduce the symptoms of PLID. Your physiotherapist can suggest a variety of pain-relieving exercises to increase range of motion and release tightness.
- Manual Therapy: The goal of manual therapy is to increase the ankle joint's range of motion and flexibility through manual methods like mobilization and massage. These methods can be used by your physiotherapist to help with PLID symptoms.
- Electrotherapy: Electrotherapy, which uses electrical stimulation to stimulate the muscles and nerve roots in the affected area, is an effective PLID physiotherapy treatment. This therapy has the potential to decrease pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation and help accelerate the healing process.
- Postural Correction: As many cases of PLID are brought on by bad posture, improving your posture can help stop the illness from occurring or from coming back. Your physiotherapist can recommend exercises and techniques to help you improve your posture and reduce your risk of developing PLID.
- Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy utilizes high-intensity acoustic waves to activate the body's natural healing processes, alleviate pain, and enhance blood flow in the targeted region. A handheld device is employed to transmit the sound waves to the affected area, with a trained physiotherapist meticulously regulating both the intensity and duration of the treatment.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a practice that entails the insertion of slender needles into designated points on the body, aimed at activating the body's natural healing processes, alleviating pain and inflammation, and enhancing blood circulation. The needles remain in position for a certain duration, during which the patient might feel a slight tingling or numbness.
- Lumbar traction therapy: Lumbar traction is commonly used to relieve lower back pain and improve range of motion. The technique stretches the lower back to increase space between vertebrae, helping to alleviate pinched nerves and problems associated with disc disorders.
- Manipulation therapy: Manipulation is a highly skilled form of manual therapy where the physio performs a short, sharp thrust to a stiff joint in order to release it and allow it to move more efficiently.
- Back Extensions: This exercise enhances spinal flexibility by stretching the back. Lie on your stomach with your elbows propped under your shoulders. Push down with your hands and arch your back upward. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds while keeping your hips grounded and your neck in a neutral position. Return to the starting position and repeat.
- Strengthening Exercises: Certain exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the lower back to reduce pain and prevent injury. These movements could be done with or without added weight.