Physiotherapists in Milton Keynes treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

Slipped Disc

Slipped disc is the term used in normal speech to describe a severe back problem, particularly one which involves severe leg pain. However, it is a misnomer in that the disc is unable to slip anywhere so a slipped disc indicates a different kind of pathology. The disc outer covering (annulus fibrosus) is made up of multiple overlapping levels of tough material which encloses a more gel-like interior (nucleus pulposus). With time the layers of the annulus can become fewer or split along certain lines, leading in some cases to the material of the nucleus protruding to the outside of the disc.

This protrusion of part of internal gel through the outer layers of the disc is the so-called slipped disc, known more technically as a disc prolapse or disc protrusion. The protrusion may aggravate the nearby nerve root by compressing it or chemically irritating it, leading to pain in the part of the body supplied by that nerve. The commonest syndrome is sciatica, a severe leg pain usually below the knee which is caused by pressure on the one the lower lumbar nerves. Most attacks of sciatica resolve on their own but if not then discectomy is a highly successful operation.

Clavicle Fractures

The clavicle (collar bone) is commonly fractured in activities which involve the risk of falling on the upper quadrant of the body such as sport, bicycling or simple falls in children and the elderly. The clavicle is a stabilising bone between the scapula and the sternum, holding the arm away from the body during activities and allowing the exertion of force and power. Fracture give acute pain over the bone itself, swelling and bruising and perhaps deformity as the alignment of the bone is disturbed. The fracture may crunch on attempted movement of the arm and be very painful.

To allow healing the arm should be rested for three weeks in a sling to minimise the forces through the clavicle until the fracture begins to unite, during which time the patient should limit arm movement to below shoulder level. Once the pain has reduced after the three week point the arm ranges of movement can be gradually increased. In some cases healing of clavicular fractures can be slow or internal fixation become necessary if they show no signs of uniting after two months or so. Limitation of shoulder movement after fracture is uncommon and physiotherapists typically advise patients on exercises to restore full range.