“I’ve popped a disc” – why this language is damaging for our patients
Whether it be saying it yourself or hearing it from someone you know, most people are familiar with the phrase “I’ve popped a disc”, or something similar. This kind of language is used far too often in healthcare and is often terrifying for people to hear. Being told that you’ve “popped a disc” can cause significant psychological distress and kinesiophobia (fear of movement). The use of this language in other areas of healthcare brings people to our practices with a preconceived idea of how “damaged” their bodies are, making it very difficult to educate clients about the importance of movement-based rehabilitation.
Most people will experience normal, age-related degenerative changes in the discs that sit between our vertebrae. These changes can often occur without associated symptoms. However, if you’ve experienced a disc-related injury, you may experience referred pain or neurological symptoms (e.g. pins and needles or numbness) into the arms or legs. It is important to understand what has happened to the tissues at the level of the injury, and what the appropriate treatment plan is moving forwards. This can be done without the use of destructive language.
The intervertebral discs are made up of fibrous tissue, with an inner and outer “layer” or “ring”, if you like. With wear and tear, either of these layers can lose structural integrity, and the disc may bulge beyond its normal boundaries in the spinal column. This is often enough to cause localised pain at the level of the spine that is affected and can also cause referred pain into the legs or arms. If the bulge is larger, the disc tissue may begin to press onto the nerve roots that exit the spine, which is what can cause those neurological symptoms such as pins and needles or numbness in the arms or legs.
Often a patient’s first thought is that surgery is what’s required, but symptoms can often be managed with manual therapy and movement-based rehabilitation. This can significantly improve movement, mobility and quality of life. It is important to ask your healthcare providers these questions and gain an understanding of what is happening in the body, rather than leaving thinking your body is simply damaged beyond repair!