Kerry Katona health: Mystery back ‘agony’ finally solved – ‘It’s changed my life’

NHS explain the best ways to treat back pain

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After years of taking the “strongest painkillers”, visiting numerous doctors, and taking corticosteroid injections, Kerry Katona is “so happy” that she can finally put a name to her chronic pain: a protruded disc. In a candid video posted on Instagram, the 41-year-old said: “I have to share this with you.” After having “everything going”, a medical diagnosis made by Pall Mall Medical Centre, Manchester, has “changed [her] life”.

After receiving a diagnosis of a protruding disc, which can be remedied by an operation, Kerry “cried” with joy.

“Its’ changed my life,” Kerry beamed, adding that she knows it “sounds so stupid” to be overjoyed that “something is wrong with you”.

But, for the mum-of-five, that phone call from Pall Mall Medical Centre has provided great relief that her illness has not been all in her head.

The clinicians added that Kerry has arthritis in her shoulders, and cysts on her liver and ovaries.

Posted on September 29, Kerry added: “I can’t understand why it wasn’t found before.

“I’ve also got varicose veins between my bladder… I’m not poorly; a lot of these things can get fixed, which is amazing – especially my back pain.”

A protruding disc

Experts at Integrity Spine and Orthopedics explained that a disc protrusion “is a type of spinal disc herniation”.

The condition can be caused by age, natural wear and tear, falls, obesity and genetics.

When not in the correct position, a slipped disc – as it is otherwise known as – can lead to lower back pain, neck pain, weakness and a loss of mobility.

“Spinal discs are made up of two parts: a tough outer ring of ligament fibres called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, jelly-like inner core called the nucleus pulposus,” the experts explained.

“The intervertebral discs provide cushioning, shock absorption and flexibility to the spine.”

A disc protrusion is when the nucleus pulpous “breaks through a tear in the annulus fibrosus and leaks out into the spinal column and spinal canal”.

A protruding disc can lead to nerve compression, which occurs when the bulging disc narrows the passageway for nerves to pass through in the spinal canal.

“When a disc bulges out of place, it can narrow the space even further and put pressure on nerve roots or the spinal cord,” the experts added.

Nerve compression can lead to pain that radiates down the buttock and leg, also known as sciatica.

The condition can also lead to difficulty standing or walking, numbness, tingling or weakness that travels down the arms or legs.

“Without proper spine care and treatment, there is a risk that disc protrusion will worsen into a herniated disc or cause long-term back and neck pain,” the experts warned.

Thus, if you have recurring episodes of sciatica, for example, talk to your doctor.

Heat and ice therapies, alongside rest, medication, and physical therapy might be needed.

As for Kerry, she will be seeking surgery, which can also be an option for serious cases.

Kerry Katona will be starring on Channel 4’s Celebrity Trash Monsters on Sunday, October 17 at 9pm.

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