What does discopathy mean?
Discopathy is a collective term for changes in an inter-spine disc. That term alone doesn't tell you why you're in pain or what treatment fits. A finding on a scan is therefore always viewed in addition to your symptoms and physical examination. Muscles, joints and nerves can also play a role. We'll discuss what movements are difficult, how the pain was created and what you've tried before.
What does research on focused shockwave show?
A study from 2022 compared focused shockwave with a dummy treatment in forty people with long-term low back pain and discopathy. Both groups did exercises. Immediately after the treatment series, the pain reduction was greater with active shockwave. After one and three months that difference was no longer detectable; also the functioning did not clearly differ between the groups. This gives an indication of temporary additional pain benefit, with long-term uncertainty.
Face joint symptoms are another application
The small joints in the back are called facet joints. One study from 2025, conducted in one centre in 128 carefully selected patients with facet pain, found better pain and function results with focused shockwave than with a dummy treatment, up to 12 months. People with a hernia or nerve root disease were excluded. Therefore, these outcomes do not automatically apply to every back symptom or discopathy.
A goal you can recognize
We focus on fewer symptoms and move better, for example more comfortable sitting or longer walking. The available research does not prove that shockwave restores a damaged disc or removes a hernia. When we propose treatment, we discuss the purpose, the justification, possible side effects, costs and alternatives. There's an agreed time for evaluation.
Research and development are part of this process.
We first assess whether your symptoms fit within our treatment area. We'll take your history, any nerve symptoms and any prior research. Where appropriate, we combine treatment with guidance when moving and load. A standard ultrasound during an intake does not diagnose discopathy or a back hernia. Supplementary medical examination is discussed when the findings give rise to this.
When to seek medical help immediately?
Call your GP or GP emergency post immediately in case of sudden loss of strength in your leg, numbness around your genitals or anus, unable to urinate or new loss of control over urine or stool. This requires medical assessment and cannot wait for a regular shockwave intake.
Determining your first step together
During the paid initial consultation we will map out your request for help and discuss a suitable follow-up. ultrasound is included at no extra cost when it adds something. You get an explanation first; an application does not oblige you to a treatment series.
This information is general. Whether shockwave is appropriate for you requires a personal assessment. There's no guarantee of recovery.