Physiotherapists in Colne 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.

Physiotherapy for Acute Neck Pain

Some physiotherapists perform manipulations on patients with acute neck pain and the evidence supports manipulation as a useful treatment for acute neck pain in that it reduces the time of pain and disability. A few sessions of this kind of treatment should kick start the process of improvement and long term treatment with manipulation is not recommended. Mobilisation techniques, a less forceful form of manipulation, are frequently employed by physiotherapists as part of a treatment programme which might include massage and exercises. Massage is used less often now but can be useful to reduce muscle spasm and give a feeling of release to the soft tissues.

Physiotherapists or other therapy practitioners may employ other treatment techniques such as electrical therapy, acupuncture or other more alternative treatments. While individuals may claim these help them it is not clear whether they are useful and improvement should be clear after a short course of treatment, with extended treatment again not recommended. Physios will give advice to reduce aggravating activities, pace things to prevent overdoing and progress as quickly as possible towards normal. Treatment is intended to get the process of recovery started and reduce the likelihood of the patient adopting habits which will hinder their recovery.