Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (PLID) is a condition in which the discs in the lower spine bulge or rupture, leading to nerve compression. This condition is often caused by factors like aging, poor posture, trauma, or obesity and can lead to significant discomfort, including back pain, leg numbness, and weakness.
What Causes PLID?
PLID treatment in Bangladesh can result from various factors, such as:
- Aging: As you age, the discs in your spine naturally lose moisture and elasticity. This makes them less flexible and more prone to cracking or bulging. Over time, the wear and tear weaken the disc structure, increasing the likelihood of it slipping out of place.
- Trauma: Sudden injuries, such as falls, car accidents, or improperly lifting heavy objects, can rupture or move the discs out of their normal position. The force from such trauma can put significant pressure on the discs, leading to herniation.
- Poor Posture: Maintaining incorrect posture, whether sitting, standing, or lifting, for long durations can strain the spine. This constant pressure can cause the discs to wear down and eventually slip or bulge, as the spine is not aligned correctly to support the body’s weight.
- Obesity: Excess body weight increases the strain on your spine, especially the lower back. The added pressure speeds up the degeneration of the discs, making them more vulnerable to damage. Over time, this can lead to the discs slipping or bulging, causing PLID.
These factors, combined with genetic predisposition or lifestyle choices, can significantly increase the risk of developing PLID.
Symptoms of PLID
The symptoms of PLID can vary depending on the severity and the affected area. Common symptoms include:
- Lower Back Pain is the most common symptom of PLID. It is usually concentrated in the lower back and tends to worsen with activities like bending, lifting, or sitting for long periods. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain.
- Leg Pain (Sciatica): When a herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, it can cause sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the leg. This pain often follows the nerve’s path from the lower back through the buttocks and down to the foot.
- Numbness or Tingling: The pressure on nerves from a slipped disc can lead to a loss of sensation in the areas the affected nerves serve. This often results in numbness or a tingling “pins-and-needles” feeling in the legs or feet.
- Weakness: In more severe cases, the nerve compression caused by PLID can lead to muscle weakness in the legs or feet. This can affect your ability to move or lift objects and may make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go, but they often worsen without proper treatment.
Diagnosis of PLID
Diagnosing PLID disease requires a comprehensive approach, including:
- Medical History: The first step in diagnosing PLID involves discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and past injuries or trauma. Understanding these factors helps the doctor determine the likelihood of PLID and how it may have developed.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will perform a physical exam to check for signs of nerve damage. This includes testing muscle strength, reflexes, and how your body responds to specific movements. Any pain or weakness during these tests can indicate PLID.
- Imaging Tests: These tests confirm the diagnosis; imaging tests like MRI or CT scans are used. These scans provide detailed images of the spinal discs and nerves, allowing the doctor to see the exact location and extent of the disc problem. These images are crucial for planning the appropriate treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For many patients, non-surgical treatments can effectively manage PLID, including:
Physiotherapy:
- Stretching Exercises: Regular stretching helps release tension in the muscles surrounding the spine, reducing pain and increasing flexibility. This is key to improving movement and preventing further injury.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and spinal manipulation enhance mobility, ease discomfort, and improve overall spinal function.
- Electrotherapy: This includes therapies like TENS, IFT, and NMES, which use electrical impulses to manage pain, decrease inflammation, and strengthen muscles. These methods are non-invasive and can significantly enhance recovery without surgery.
Postural Correction and Lifestyle Modifications:
- Postural Training: Learning to sit, stand, and lift properly protects your spine. Maintaining good posture throughout daily activities helps prevent further disc damage and reduces pain.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Adjusting your workstation, whether at home or work, to support proper posture can significantly reduce strain on your back. This might include using ergonomic chairs, standing desks, or adjusting the height of your monitor and keyboard.
- Weight Management: Keeping a healthy weight is essential for reducing the stress on your spine. Losing excess weight can alleviate pressure on the discs, preventing further degeneration and lowering symptoms of PLID.
Advanced Therapies:
- Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. It promotes increased blood flow, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain, making it practical for treating PLID-related pain.
- PEMF Therapy: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy uses electromagnetic waves to penetrate the body, reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues. It’s beneficial for chronic pain management and speeding up recovery.
- Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain. It works by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, which can help manage pain and promote healing.
- Ozone Therapy: This treatment involves injecting a mixture of oxygen and ozone directly into the affected area. The ozone helps reduce inflammation, improve tissue oxygen supply, and alleviate pain, making it a valuable option for treating PLID.
Surgical Options
In cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgical interventions may be considered. These may include:
- Discectomy: This procedure involves removing the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve, which helps relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Laminectomy: A laminectomy removes a part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to create more space for the spinal nerves. This reduces nerve compression and alleviates symptoms like pain and weakness.
- Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion surgery involves permanently connecting two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine. This helps reduce movement at the affected segment, alleviating pain and preventing further damage.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Choosing the proper treatment for PLID (Posterior Lateral Intervertebral Disc) depends on the severity of the symptoms, the patient’s overall health, and their lifestyle. We focus on a personalized approach to these factors at Vision Physiotherapy Center in Dhaka. Our experienced Team of physiotherapists and healthcare professionals works together to create a treatment plan just for you.
At Vision Physiotherapy Center, we use our expertise, modern technology, and caring approach to provide practical, non-surgical treatments. We aim to reduce your pain, help you move better, and improve your quality of life. We design each treatment plan to fit your specific needs and goals.