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Disc Slip

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  3. Disc Slip

Overview of Disc Slip

Our spinal column consists of a series of bones called vertebrae which are stacked onto each other. The bones in vertebrae include:

  • Seven bones in the cervical spine
  • 12 bones in the thoracic spine
  • Five bones in the lumbar spine
  • Sacrum
  • Coccyx

The sacrum and coccyx are located at the base.

All these bones are cushioned by discs. These discs absorb any shock that you may get from daily life activities like walking, lifting items, and twisting.

Each of these discs has two parts:

  • The soft, gelatinous inner portion
  • Tough outer ring

Any injury on the disc causes the soft gelatinous part to protrude through the outer ring. This is known as a slipped disc. A slipped disc is also called a herniated or prolapsed disc. This causes severe implications in terms of numbness and pain along the affected nerves.

Signs and Symptoms of Disc Slip

From neck to the lower back, you can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine. You are most likely to have a slipped disc in your lower back. A slipped disc puts extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it.

Symptoms of slipped disk include: 

  • Pain or numbness usually on one side of the body
  • Pain that reaches out to your arms and legs
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements
  • After sitting or standing, the pain worsens
  • Walking short distances also becomes painful
  • Muscle weakness without a certain cause
  • A tingling, aching, or burning sensation in the affected area

Types of Disc Slip

From neck to the lower back, you can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine. You are most likely to have a slipped disc in your lower back. A slipped disc puts extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it.

Symptoms of slipped disk include:

  • Pain or numbness usually on one side of the body
  • Pain that reaches out to your arms and legs
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements
  • After sitting or standing, the pain worsens
  • Walking short distances also becomes painful
  • Muscle weakness without a certain cause
  • A tingling, aching, or burning sensation in the affected area

Causes of Disc Slip

Possible causes of slipped disc include:

  • Age factor - with the passage of time, the muscles become weary and torn. Also, the discs began to lose their protective water content. This causes the discs more prone to slip out of their positions.
  • Certain body movements
  • Lifting a heavy object puts a massive strain on the lower back
  • Being overweight
  • Weak muscles
  • Sedentary lifestyles
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Risk Factors of Disc Slip

  • Excessive weight
  • Physically demanding jobs or occupation
  • Family history and genetics
  • Excessive smoking
  • Sudden injury or accident
  • Difficult pregnancy

Complications of Slipped Disc

  • Loss of bladder or lose bowel control
  • Loss of muscle function
  • Consistent pain
  • Loss of sensation in legs and lower body
  • In extreme cases, permanent disability may occur

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Prevention

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Diagnosis

If you suspect you have a slipped disc, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will first begin the diagnosis by doing a physical examination. He/she will try to figure out your source of pain and discomfort.

Your doctor would also ask you to undergo some imaging tests to analyze your bones and muscles. Examples of imaging scans include:

Your doctor would use all these scans to gather all sorts of information needed to make a correct diagnosis.

Treatment of Disc Slip | When to Consult a Doctor

Depending upon your condition, the treatment of slipped disc can be:

  • Conservative
  • Surgical

Most people get this discomfort sorted out through physical therapy. Doing certain exercises can help you strengthen your back and relieve the pain. 

Your doctor can recommend some medication like:

  • Muscle relaxants
  • Narcotics
  • Nerve pain medication

If the symptoms do not get better and the pain worsens, your doctor might suggest surgery. A procedure called microdiscectomy would be performed. In this procedure, only the affected portion of the disc is removed without removing the entire disk.

Some other surgical procedures include:

  • Laminectomy 
  • Spinal function

In case you exhibit any concerning signs and symptoms for slipped disc, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

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