Prolapse in the back

Prolapse in the back

Prolapse in the back can be painful, and is often triggered by a strain on the lower back. The condition can occur at any age, but is most common between the ages of 30 and 50.

What is back prolapse?

The spinal column consists of vertebrae, and between each vertebra are circular discs of connective tissue. These discs are called annulus fibrosis and consist of a jelly-like liquid mass. Among other things, the discs should give the spine greater mobility and flexibility, as well as reduce stress on muscles and joints. If you have prolapse in your back, one of the discs (annulus fibrosis) will burst, and the jelly contents of the disc will be pushed out through the crack. This can lead to back pain.

It is usually the lower back that is affected by prolapse, but it can also occur higher up on the back or in the neck. Not all lower back pain is prolapse. It is also not always that prolapse in the back will cause pain or symptoms, this has been seen with the help of MRI scans.

Sciatica

In some cases, the contents of the disc can press on a nerve root that is close to the disc. This condition is called sciatica because the contents press on the sciatic nerve and this leads to radiating pain from the back down the leg.

What are the causes of prolapse in the back?

As you get older, the cartilage tissue will become stiffer. It is then more susceptible to small tears or cracks. If you get small tears in the cartilage discs, the pains you call witches' shots come. Larger cracks are called prolapse. The condition often results from the lumbar spine being exposed to stress, but it can also occur spontaneously.

Examples of long-term stress on the lower back, which can increase the risk of prolapse:

• Severely overweight

• A job with a lot of sitting or driving, often with arms in a horizontal position.

• Smoking - read about quitting smoking here.

• Some sports can put strain on the lower back, such as weightlifting and rugby

• Heredity can also be a contributing factor to the fact that you may be prone to prolapse. Men get prolapse in the back more often than women, and the risk increases with age.

What symptoms does prolapse in the back cause?

• Pain in the lower back or higher up the back.

• The pain can either come on gradually or it can come on suddenly as a sharp pain.

• In some cases, you only feel the pain when you move your back in a particular way or in a particular position.

• It can be painful both when standing, sitting and when moving around.

• Some may also experience pain that goes down one leg, numbness in the skin, as well as tingling and pricking in the leg. This could be sciatica.

Forecast

Most people with prolapse get better without treatment within six weeks, this actually applies to 9/10 people. It is wise to get back to normal activity quickly, as studies have shown that prolonged bed rest gives less chance of healing. At the very beginning, you may need rest and little activity, and training exercises that cause excruciating pain should be avoided. If you have sciatica, it will take longer to experience recovery.

The back pain from the prolapse can return, but is usually not as severe and strong as when the prolapse itself occurred.

Good advice

• Keep moving. Careful swimming, walking, and normal daily activity can reduce pain and improve healing.

• Avoid heavy lifting.

• Don't train too hard.

• Avoid a lot of sitting and prolonged bed rest.

• Some people may experience reduced back pain when using ice packs or heat treatment. Please note that the treatment should not last more than 15 minutes at a time.

Prolapse and pain in the back after childbirth

As many as 50% of all women who give birth experience problems with prolapse and/or other back pain after childbirth. During pregnancy, the body is undergoing major changes, and after birth, the body will quietly and carefully begin to change back to the way it was before pregnancy. Unfortunately, this does not always happen without problems, and many people experience pain during this time afterwards. In addition, a lot of breastfeeding, carrying and grooming the newborn baby can contribute to worsening the pain.

To prevent prolapse and other back pain, there are some things you can do yourself and which are important to think about:

Do not neglect the training of the pelvic muscles - train the pelvis every day.

Good breastfeeding technique is important - use a nursing pillow.

Learn good lifting and carrying techniques.

Be physically active.

If you have long-term challenges and pain that does not subside, we recommend seeing a doctor, chiropractor, osteopath or similar. There are a number of companies that specialize in women's health and ailments related to pregnancy and childbirth, which will be able to provide good help and support.

Treatment

The treatment only controls the symptoms and there is no effective treatment for prolapse in the back. Often the symptoms will pass within a few weeks. In the beginning, you may need rest and relief for your back, but it is important to get started with normal activity as quickly as possible. Avoid exercises that cause pain.

Paracetamol, for example Paracet and Pinex, can help with the pain and can be bought without a prescription at the pharmacy.

Ibuprofen, such as Ibux, can also help with the pain. Use caution when using Ibux if you have previously had stomach/intestinal ulcers, suffered from too much stomach acid, have blood clotting disorders or if you are being treated with medicines that increase the risk of ulcers or bleeding.

People with severe or long-term cases may be offered surgery.