Acute Disc Tear/Discogenic Back Pain

An acute tear can occur in the outer fibrosis of an intervertebral disc which classically happens after lifting a heavy object (e.g. lawnmover)

Clinical presentation

  • Pain is characteristically worse on coughing - coughing increases disc pressure

Investigations

  • MRI

Management

  • Analgesia and physiotherapy
  • Symptoms usually resolve but can take 2-3 months to settle