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What is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disk, happens anywhere in the spinal column and is a common cause of back pain that can radiate down to one or both legs, this condition is commonly called sciatica. The spinal cord is made up of bones called vertebrae. These bones are separated by tissues, known as intervertebral discs. Any injury or weakness can cause these discs to protrude, bulge, or rupture from the original position to other parts of the spinal cord, exerting pressure on one or more spinal nerves.
How common is a slipped disc?
Slip disc affects about 5-20 in every 1000 adults annually. It is more common in men than in women and generally affects after 30 years of age. Consult with the best spine doctor in Delhi regarding slip discs.
What are the causes of Slip Disc?
There are various causes of a slipped disc such as:
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Normal ageing process
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Traumatic event
What are the risk factors of Slip Disc?
There are some risk factors for slipped discs:
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Gender: Men are twice as likely to suffer as compared to women
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Being overweight
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Lifting items improperly
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Repeated activities that strain your back
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Smoking
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Driving frequently - sitting for long periods
What are the signs and symptoms of a Slipped Disc?
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Lower back pain or neck pain
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Sciatica: a sharp shooting pain that travels down your buttocks and legs
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The pain in the upper or lower limb
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The weakness of the upper or lower limb
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Numbness or tingling of the upper or lower limb
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Loss of bladder and bowel control (rare)
How is it diagnosed?
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Your doctor will take a full medical history and complete a physical examination.
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Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may be performed.
What is the treatment?
The treatment can either be medical or surgical treatment. Manipal, the best spine surgery hospital in Delhi has all the treatment options, some of which are
Medical treatment includes:
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Resting: Take some rest breaks throughout the day but do not sit for too long
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Medications: Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs to ease the pain
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Steroid injections: Injecting into space around the nerve to decrease the pain
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Specific exercises to strengthen your back
Surgical treatment includes:
Spinal surgery is reserved for a few cases only. Spinal surgery is for people who are not responding to medical treatment or for people experiencing difficulty in walking, loss of bladder and bowel control, or muscle weakness.
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Microdiscectomy or endoscopic discectomy: With the help of a microscope, a small incision is made at the location of the slipped disc. After making the incision, the slipped disc is removed.
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Rehabilitation: Performing some specific exercises to gain strength and flexibility in your back and legs.
Manipal Hospitals provides slipped disc treatment in Delhi, having the best spinal surgeons to treat your problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I am diagnosed with a slipped disc, do I need surgery?
No. If you get a slipped disc, you will be put on medications and physical therapy. Surgery is recommended only after failed attempts of medical treatment or if you are having difficulty in walking or have muscle weakness or unable to control your bladder and/or bowel.
2. Can my slipped disc get worse?
If you are frequently active, the pain can get worse. You must try to take rest breaks in between throughout your whole day. Bending forward, sitting, coughing, sneezing, and driving can make the pain worse.
3. In a slipped disc, why do I get symptoms in my legs or arms?
If your back or neck is involved, your legs or arms may be affected because the spinal nerves supplying the limbs are irritated or compressed. Hence, you feel symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of the upper or lower limb.
5. What is the outcome of the surgery?
The outcome of microdiscectomy is very good. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities after recovery.
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