Common Questions About Our Services
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our sports injury treatments and services at Injury Hub.
Can a spinal disc when herniated go back in?
As a surgeon once said can toothpaste go back in the tube? This question refers to the nucleus (central jelly) leaking through the casing. It’s all down to the consistency of the jelly. If a patient is young and the outer ring heals then hydration of a disc can take place via the blood vessels supplying it. It’s important to know a spinal disc doesn’t leave the spine /vertebral bone it is attached to, it’s the central jelly that can migrate/diffuse through its casing and its important to note that this is also part of the normal aging process.
I’ve gotten smaller as I’ve aged.
As we get older the water in our spinal disc dehydrate, a condition known as spondylosis. If this occurs in several discs we are liable to lose a couple of centimeters / inches over time.
Should I ICE or HEAT my lower back?
Heat is very therapeutic and certainly feels nicer than ice. BUT if you have an acute spasm in your lower back and you’re finding it difficult to perform day to day tasks then ICE should be applied at regular intervals. Latest research suggest Ice should not be applied as its slows the healing process by stopping the body’s natural inflammatory process BUT, when you’re in agony and unable to function ICE will get you back on track quicker and a few days of icing won’t interrupted the healing process but will allow you to function. We’d recommend 10 minute intervals for 1 hour on and off. repeat this process 4-5 times a day. Lying on your back with your legs bent is the preferred position. A gel ice pack should be placed in the central lower back position.
Should I rest when suffering with back pain?
At the injury hub we recommend active rest. Meaning, every 20 minutes you should try walking for 5-10 minutes even if you are bent over and unable to fully straighten. Resting just prolongs the muscle spasm and chronicity of the problem.
What’s the best stretch for lower back pain?
This is a difficult question to answer or advise as there are multiple causes for back pain. For instance, you have a disc problem and someone on YouTube recommends a stretch that aids facet joint pain this could make the disc problem worse or vice versa. It’s always best to get diagnosed then a dedicated stretch and rehab program can be tailored to the individual.
Pilates or Yoga?
Both are good for core strengthening and mobilisation. Some yoga moves and some reformer Pilates moves can increase stress on the disc and spinal joints. If a patient is acute then we tend to advise Mat work / floor Pilates to work on building a foundation then slowly move on to reformer Pilates and yoga.
Pilates or Yoga?
Both are good for core strengthening and mobilisation. Some yoga moves and some reformer Pilates moves can increase stress on the disc and spinal joints. If a patient is acute then we tend to advise Mat work / floor Pilates to work on building a foundation then slowly move on to reformer Pilates and yoga.