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Have you ever struggled with unbearable pain when moving? It could be a slipped disc, an extremely widespread condition affecting millions worldwide. An intervertebral cushion between vertebrae gets displaced from its normal position due to an injury or age-related degeneration. These discs help absorb shocks while we stand, walk, or run by keeping our vertebrae apart from one another so we don't shred our lumbar cores.
This blog, written by the specialists of the best spine care hospital in Bangalore, explains the condition of slipped discs, symptoms and causes of slipped discs, diagnostic tests for determining slipped discs, treatment options, prevention, and recovery.
What Is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc is a condition where the position of vertebrae is dislocated due to an injury or disease. It results in uncomfortable symptoms like nerve compression, pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and arms. While a slipped disc can originate from any part of the spinal cord, it usually occurs in the neck or lower back region.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Spine
The backbone, or spine, consists of three crucial components; cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions, and the spinal cord is safely nestled in this bony canal. It functions like a complex passage carrying neural impulses from your mind to your body.
These delicate nerves are softened by small intervertebral discs that compress during movement, delivering essential nutrients from their gel-like nucleus pulposus centre while maintaining structural integrity with their outer annulus fibrosus casing.
What Causes a Slipped Disc?
The causes of a slipped disc are unclear, but several factors increase the risk of developing a slipped disc. These include:
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Age-related relapse of the intervertebral discs
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Trauma or injury to the spine
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Repetitive stress on the spine
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Poor posture or body mechanics
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Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.
Common Symptoms of Slipped Disc include
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Pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs
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Numbness or tingling in the affected area
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Weakness or loss of function in the affected area
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Difficulty walking or standing
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Bowel or bladder dysfunction.
Am I at Risk of Developing Slipped Disc?
Yes, certain factors can make you more susceptible to developing a slipped disc than others. These include:
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Age - The risk of slipping discs increases with age.
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Gender - Men are more likely to get slipped discs than women.
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Genetics - Some people can be predisposed to developing slipped discs due to inherited traits.
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Occupation - Jobs that require heavy lifting, bending, or twisting can increase the risk of slipping discs.
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Smoking - It can increase the risk of a slipped disc by reducing the oxygen supply to the intervertebral discs.
How to Treat Slipped Discs?
First, the doctor will diagnose the condition by recommending a number of tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, Electromyography (EMG), etc. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment may entail non-surgical and/or surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Slipped Disc
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Rest - Taking a break from activities that aggravate your symptoms can help reduce pain and inflammation.
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Physical Therapy - It helps to improve strength, flexibility, and motion in the affected area
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Medications - Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, reduce pain and inflammation.
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Epidural Steroid Injections - Injections of corticosteroids reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Surgical Treatment Options for Slipped Disc
In some cases, surgery is necessary to treat a slipped disc. Surgery is recommended if non-surgical treatments have not provided relief, the herniation is pressing on a nerve and causing severe pain or weakness, or there is a loss of bladder or bowel control.
Some common surgical treatments for slipped discs include:
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Microdiscectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerve.
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Laminectomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
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Spinal fusion: This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilise the spine.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Slipped Disc Surgery
Recovery and rehabilitation after slipped disc surgery depend on the type of surgery and the severity of your herniation. In most cases, you may be asked to wear a back brace for a few weeks as well as take the prescribed pain medication to manage pain during the recovery period. The physical therapy session is an inevitable part of your recovery regime which helps you regain strength and flexibility. Don’t indulge in heavy lifting and strenuous activities until full recovery is achieved.
A slipped disc causes severe pain and discomfort but is a treatable condition. If you experience any symptoms, see a best spine doctor in Yeshwanthpur Bangalore right away to save yourself from trouble down the line.
FAQs
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How long does it take to recover from slipped disc surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual. Generally, it takes four-five weeks to several months to fully recover.
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Can a slipped disc heal on its own?
In some cases, the slipped disc heals with rest and non-surgical treatments. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, surgery is necessary.
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What is the difference between a bulging disc and a slipped disc?
A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc weakens and bulges out, and a slipped disc occurs when the inner layer herniates or pushes through a tear in the outer layer.
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