Slipped Disc – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
A slipped disc can also be referred to as a herniated disc, ruptured disc, prolapsed disc, bulging disc or compressed disc. By whichever name, a slipped disc is a painful condition which impacts your health and lifestyle.
Discs are small round flat pads located between the vertebra of your spine. They have a hard outer covering enclosing a soft jellylike substance. These discs permit you to move your spine, as well as acting as cushioning between the vertebra when your spine is in motion and are held in place by thick ligaments attached to the vertebra.
A slipped disc occurs when there is a tear in the outer covering and the jellylike substance pushes out. Because there is limited space around the spine the displaced inner substance may press on a spinal nerve.
A slipped disc can happen in any part of the spine, however, slipped discs are most common in the lower back and neck areas.
Causes of Slipped Discs
Slipped discs occur for a number of reasons. As we age, discs weaken and flatten with less cushioning ability. Slipped discs are ordinarily suffered by people between the ages of 30 and 50, with men twice as likely to be afflicted.
Slipped discs can also originate from an injury. Excessive strain can create a tear of the disc and the resultant migration of the inner matter. Just one incident of such a forceful action is enough to cause a slipped disc.
Symptoms of a Slipped Disc
Symptoms vary dependent on where in your spine the slipped disc is located, how severe the tear is and whether a nerve is being pressured.
For slipped discs in the lower back, you may feel:
- pain located in one side or leg
- pain radiating from your buttock into your foot
- a low backache
- burning, tingling or sharp knife-like shocks of pain
- numbness
- affected bladder and bowel functions
- standing, walking and sitting may increase the severity of the pain of the slipped disc.
For slipped discs in the neck area, you may suffer:
- pain down your arm into your hand
- difficulty moving your fingers.
- tingling or burning
- numbness
- weakened arm muscles
- turning your neck in certain directions may aggravate the pain from the slipped disc.
Diagnosis of a slipped disc is generally made by your doctor based on symptoms, physical examination and x-rays, a CT Scan or MRI.
Treatment for Slipped Discs
For the first few days, your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammato
A chiropractor will teach you exercises aimed at strengthening your back and abdominal muscles. He or she will perform procedures designed to stretch your spine to relieve the slipped disc pain. Ice and heat therapy and electrical muscle stimulation may also be advised by your chiropractor.
The prognosis for recovery from a slipped disc is good with the correct care. Continued back strengthening exercises, along with regular chiropractic care, may reduce the likelihood of a slipped disc reoccurring.
