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Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, is the leading hospital for treating herniated discs. Discs serve as cushions between the vertebrae that stack together to make the spinal column. They also absorb the shock caused by day-to-day activities. Every disc consists of a hard outer ring and a soft interior section. The inner part of the disc may bulge through the outer ring if it is damaged or weak, which causes pain. This condition is called herniated discs.
Numbness and discomfort may radiate down the damaged spinal nerve if the disc compresses it. In extreme circumstances, the slipped disc may need to be repaired or removed surgically. Manipal Hospitals has a team of extremely skilled surgeons, radiologists, spine specialists, and nursing staff who collaborate to deliver the best diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare for your spine-related problems.
The following factors increase the risk of having a herniated disc, which includes:
Body weight: The lower back discs are subjected to additional strain when a person is overweight.
Work profession: Individuals who have physically demanding occupations are more likely to develop back issues. Sideways bending, twisting, tugging, pushing, and lifting repeatedly can further raise the chance of a herniated disc.
Genetics: A herniated disc is a condition that certain people are predisposed to getting.
Smoking: Smoking reduces the oxygen that discs receive, causing their decomposition.
Continuous sitting: The combination of prolonged sitting and the vibrations of an engine in a car might strain the spine.
Being inactive: A herniated disc can be avoided with regular exercise.
The location of the disc and whether it is putting strain on a nerve determine the signs and symptoms. Herniated discs often affect one side of the body and are most common in the lower back; however, they can also develop in the neck.
Most likely, you'll encounter:
If you have a herniated disc in your lower back, you may have pain in your thighs, calf, and pelvic area.
If the herniated disc is in your neck, you may experience scorching or sharp pain in your arm and shoulder.
If your cervical spine and spinal cord are affected by a herniated disc, you may experience poor control, difficulties walking, and hand clumsiness.
Additionally, you may also experience tingling or numbness in the body area that the injured nerves supply.
Loss of bowel or bladder control in cases of severe disc prolapses.
Indeed, severe slipped discs can cause irreversible nerve damage if left untreated. Rarely, a slipped disc may cause the nerves in your neck, arms, lower back, and legs to stop receiving nerve signals. Damage to the nerves can result in:
Permanent fatigue
A loss of bladder or bowel control
Loss of sensation in a portion of the legs or arms
A herniated disc is often treated conservatively and without surgery at first. For a few days to many weeks, the patient may be advised by the doctor to keep a modest, painless activity level. This aids in the reduction of inflammation in the spinal nerves. It is not advised to use bed rest. If the pain is only mild to moderate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat a herniated disc. To precisely target the level of disc herniation, an epidural steroid injection can be administered using a spinal needle guided by X-rays. Also, the doctor might suggest physical therapy to alleviate the symptoms.
Very few herniated disc patients need surgery. Surgery could be a possibility if conservative measures don't relieve your symptoms after six weeks, particularly if you still have:
Inadequately managed pain
Weakness or numbness
Difficulty walking or standing
Loss of intestinal or bladder control
Lumbar disc herniations can be treated using a variety of Spinal Decompression and Spinal Fusion procedures, depending on the number of herniated discs. These consist of Lumbar Interbody Fusion, Lumbar Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy. A Disc Replacement procedure might be a good option for certain patients with isolated disc herniations instead of fusion. When feasible, a less-invasive method is frequently chosen. In the end, the surgeon identifies and selects the optimal surgical choice while keeping the patient's needs and safety a priority.
In addition to taking the painkillers your doctor prescribes, consider:
Applying either cold or heat at the site: Cold packs can be applied initially to reduce discomfort and swelling. You may then go to using low heat to provide comfort and relief after a few days.
Movement during recovery: Recuperation may be hampered by being in bed all day since it can cause weak muscles and tight joints. Rather, take a 30-minute nap in a comfortable posture, followed by a quick stroll or some work. Aim to stay away from things that make your discomfort worse.
Activity modification: As you resume your activities, let your discomfort be your guide. Take care to move slowly and deliberately, especially while lifting and bending forward.
Take the following actions to help avoid a herniated disc:
Work out: The spine is stabilised and supported by strengthening the trunk muscles.
Keep your posture straight: Your spine and discs will feel less pressure as a result. Maintain a straight and aligned back, especially while spending a lot of time sitting down. When lifting large goods, make sure your legs take the majority of the weight and not your back.
Sustain a healthy weight: Being overweight increases the pressure on the discs and spine, increasing the risk of herniation.
Give up smoking and any tobacco products.
You should avoid certain activities if you have a herniated disc, such as:
Heavy lifting
High-impact workout
Strenuous activities
Things that put your back under abrupt strain
Activity that hurts or makes your current discomfort worse
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