Michael O'Neill Soft Tissue Therapy

23/01/2026

Discs Don’t “Slip”

Discs Don’t “Slip”

The phrase “slipped disc” is anatomically incorrect. Intervertebral discs are firmly bound to the vertebral bodies above and below via cartilaginous endplates and reinforced by the annulus fibrosus. They cannot move, slide, or slip out of position.

What actually occurs is a disc herniation. This describes a situation where disc material, usually the nucleus pulposus, displaces through a defect or tear in the annulus fibrosus. The disc remains in its normal anatomical location; only internal material migrates beyond its usual boundaries.

An intervertebral disc is composed of a central nucleus pulposus, a surrounding annulus fibrosus made of concentric collagen lamellae, and cartilaginous endplates that anchor the disc to the vertebral bodies. These structures develop together and are mechanically integrated, which is why the idea of a disc “slipping” between bones is not biologically plausible.

Disc herniation is a process influenced by age-related changes, mechanical loading, and biochemical factors within the disc. Over time, the annulus fibrosus can develop fissures. When internal pressure rises, nucleus material may protrude or extrude through these fissures. Symptoms arise not because the disc has moved out of place, but because displaced disc material can irritate or compress nearby neural structures and provoke an inflammatory response.

Pain associated with disc herniation is driven by two main mechanisms. One is mechanical compression of nerve roots or the spinal cord. The other is chemical irritation, as nucleus pulposus material is biologically active and can sensitise adjacent neural tissue even without significant compression.

In clinical practice, accurate terminology matters. Saying “slipped disc” reinforces the idea that something is out of place and needs to be put back, which is misleading and often increases fear. Terms such as disc herniation, herniated disc, pr*****ed disc, or herniated nucleus pulposus accurately describe the pathology and align with modern anatomical and clinical understanding.

19/01/2026

An old post but worth posting again.

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process from injuries. It helps individuals regain strength, flexibility, and functionality while also reducing the risk of re-injury. It's important to understand that pain doesn't always indicate more harm—sometimes discomfort is a natural part of the healing process. Through proper rehabilitation, individuals can safely and effectively work towards restoring their physical well-being and overall quality of life. Remember, seeking guidance is key to successfully navigating the rehabilitation journey.

In clinic, hands on therapy is only a part of what I do, it is important to come up with a rehabilitation plan to help you actively recover.

09/01/2026

Last available appointment of the week
Saturday the 10th 10.30am

31/12/2025

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year.

25/12/2025

Wishing you all a happy Christmas and new year.

17/12/2025

One of the biggest things I see in clinic is people believing their pain is caused by posture. They’ve been told it’s upper crossed syndrome, lower crossed syndrome, rounded shoulders, anterior pelvic tilt, or some “twisted pelvis” nonsense — and that this is the root of their pain. It isn’t.

Pain is far more complex than posture. Posture might play a small part at times, sure — but it’s much more about your habits, what you do all day, how you move, how you feel, and how you recover.

No one thinks about their posture when they’re not in pain. But the moment pain shows up, it’s the first thing people blame. That’s not coincidence — that’s conditioning.

The “posture industry” thrives on scaremongering. Practitioners love saying they can fix your posture and magically fix your pain. Some patients love hearing it too, because it gives them a simple answer.

But posture isn’t the villain. And trying to perfect it won’t save you.

Worry less about posture.
Focus more on how you’re living.

16/12/2025

Appointments left before Christmas.

Thursday 18th 10.30
Saturday 20th 10.30 / 13.30
Tuesday 23rd 09.00 / 10.30 / 15.30

08/12/2025

Now this is something I need to get better at.

08/12/2025

Christmas tree up, feet up.
Back in clinic tomorrow after a nice 2 days rest.

07/12/2025

Love this.

02/12/2025

We are never too old to play.

24/11/2025

Are you struggling from stiff joints? or a pain or injury that just will not go away?
The aim here is to get you back to doing more of the things that you love to do.
Bespoke treatments just for you.
We do this through listening, advice, education and a treatment plan to set some goals and improve outcomes and of course some hands on therapy.
Helping you to move better, feel better and understand more and can include any of the following:

• Soft Tissue Therapy
• Sports & Remedial Massage
• Injury assessment & treatment
• Post operative recovery
• Joint mobilisation
• Chronic pain help
• Rehabilitation and strengthening exercises
• Education to put you in charge of your recovery
• Strength and conditioning advice
• Pre and post event
• Working with the nervous system
• Relaxation
• Sports or recreational injuries
• Help with balance

Please feel free to get in touch if you think I may be able to help you.
Phone, Text, email or book online.