Slipped Disc
What is a Slipped Disc?
Contrary to popular belief, a slipped disc doesn’t actually slip. Instead, the soft inner part (nucleus pulposus) of a spinal disc bulges outward through a weakness in the tougher outer part (annulus fibrosus). This bulge, called a herniation, can press on nearby nerves or cause inflammation, leading to pain. While any disc in the spine can be affected, the lower back (lumbar spine) is most commonly involved.
Who Gets Slipped Discs?
While back pain is frequent, only a small fraction (less than 1 in 20) of sudden backaches are due to slipped discs. Most back pain is likely caused by minor muscle or ligament strains. The most susceptible age group is between 30 and 50, with men twice as likely to be affected as women.
Causes of Slipped Discs
The exact cause remains unclear, but some factors may contribute:
Disc Weakness: Some people may have a pre-existing weakness in the disc’s outer wall.
Triggers: Activities like sneezing, awkward bending, or heavy lifting can put extra pressure on the disc, potentially causing a herniation in those with a weak disc.
Risk Factors: Jobs involving heavy lifting, excessive sitting, weight-bearing sports, smoking, obesity, and increasing age can increase the risk.
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Symptoms of Slipped Discs
Back Pain: Often severe and sudden, usually worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing, and improves with lying flat.
Sciatica: Pain radiating down one leg (buttock, calf, or foot) caused by a pinched or inflamed sciatic nerve due to the disc herniation. This pain can be worse than the back pain.
Other Nerve Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg or foot depending on the affected nerve.
Cauda Equina Syndrome (Serious Complication):
In rare cases, a prolapsed disc can compress nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord (cauda equina). This emergency requires immediate medical attention as it can cause lasting nerve damage and symptoms like:
- • Bowel and bladder dysfunction (inability to urinate)
- • Saddle area numbness (around the anus)
- • Weakness in one or both legs
Treatments for Slipped Discs
Non-surgical Treatment (Most Cases):
Exercise and Activity: Staying active as much as possible helps with healing and prevents stiffness.
Pain Medication: Regular use of pain relievers like paracetamol or anti-inflammatories (consult a doctor) can help manage pain and allow for better activity. Stronger pain medication or muscle relaxants might be prescribed in some cases.
Spinal Injections: Injections like epidural or transforaminal injections can reduce inflammation around the nerve root, alleviating pain, tingling, and numbness.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like ozone discectomy (injection of ozone-oxygen mix) or radiofrequency ablation (heating a small nerve area) can be options for some patients.
Surgery:
Surgery to remove the herniated disc portion is considered a last resort due to potential risks. It’s best to discuss the pros and cons with a qualified doctor.
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Varied Range of Pain Conditions.
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