A slipped disc is a condition of the spine which
occurs when the outer layer of the disc is ruptured and results in the gel
inside to bulge and protrude out. To understand Slipped Disc it is important to
know the anatomy of the spine.
The spine column consists of 24 articulating
vertebrae which are stacked on top of each other. Between each of these
vertebrae, there is circular shaped structure called inter-vertebral discs. These
discs are made up of connective tissue and have a tough, fibrous outer case and
a soft inner gelatinous substance. These discs act as shock absorbers for the
stresses placed on the spine during various vertebral movements. Degeneration
or injury due to abnormal stresses to these intervertebral discs causes pain in
the back leading to a Disc Herniation or slipped disc.
With every spinal movement these discs compress and
expand. This action helps absorb nutrients by a process known as osmosis, and
keep the discs healthy. However, due to a sedentary lifestyle, movement of
spine becomes restricted and not enough nutrients are absorbed by the discs.
Thus, the discs become dry and become weak, making them more likely to rupture
and lead to a Slipped Disc. A damaged disc can put pressure on the whole spinal
cord or on a single nerve root.
Slipped Disc Causes:
·
Age: Studies has shown that an advancing age is the
prime cause. This problem occurs when the connective tissues endure a breakdown
·
Trauma: Abnormal stresses on the spinal column and discs due
to sudden twisting and turning movements.
·
Accident: An accident can cause direct or
indirect injury to the spinal column.
·
Smoking: Smoking is directly related to
lower back problems. The spinal discs may be restricted from the process of
absorbing nutrients that help keep it hydrated.
·
Overweight: Obesity could put excessive
strain on the spine thus affecting the muscle agility.
·
Excessive workout at the gym or using heavy
weight can also cause disc problem.
Slipped
Disc Symptoms:
·
Pain
while sneezing, coughing or walking.
·
Weakness
in the lower part of the body. (leg/legs)
·
Pain
in the back and neck which might radiate down to the legs or arms causing a tingling
sensation. Numbness in the affected areas.
·
Back
pain that is chronic when you are resting as compared to when you are mobile.
Treatment:
A Conservative treatment approach to treat Disc
problem is the first step to recovery. It may include medication, rest,
physical therapy, home exercises, hydrotherapy, epidural steroid injections
(ESI). With a specific and effective treatment approach, 80% of people
suffering with back pain can return to normal activity in 6 weeks.
Self-Care:
The pain caused due to a slipped disc gets better
within a couple days and resolves completely within 4 to 6 weeks. Restricting
your activity, ice/heat therapy, and taking over the counter medications will
help your recovery. However, if the pain does not ease in 2-3 weeks please
contact our Spine Consultants.
Qi
Spine Clinic has treated over 17,000 patients with back ailments with a
success rate of 91%.
Qi Spine Clinic India's
first and only healthcare offering that exclusively focuses on the diagnosis
and treatment of spine related problems.
Clinic Locations: Currently we have 19 clinics across India in Mumbai, Delhi & Pune
Contact Us: +91 8655885566/ +91 7827907070
To learn more, please visit qispineclinic.com