A slipped disk, also referred to as a herniated or prolapsed disc, is a common spinal condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. Although it can feel scary, the good news is that many cases can be managed conservatively, sometimes without surgery at all. In this article, we will discuss what a slipped disc is, how to identify it, and what treatment options are available both at home and in the hospital.
What is a slipped disc?
The spine is made up of a series of bones (called vertebrae) with soft discs in between the bones. The discs provide shock absorption and allow flexibility of the spine. A slipped disc occurs when the inner gel-like material of the disc escapes through a tear in the tough outer layer. If the cushioning bulges out, it can press on other nearby nerves, which leads to pain and other symptoms based on where the bulge occurs on the spinal column. This often appears in lower back or neck pain.
What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?
Since most cases of slip disk problem are minor, symptoms can range from minor to severe, and depend on how severely the disc is protruding and which nerve it is pushing against. Symptoms commonly include:
- Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the muscles
- Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods of time, or walking
- Pain that worsens with movement, sneezing, or coughing
With extreme cases, there is a possibility of losing control of the bladder or bowel. This condition is considered a medical emergency.
How to treat a slipped disc?
Mild to moderate cases of a slipped disc can usually be treated at home with the right management and slipped disk treatment. The steps for a home treatment are:
- Rest, but not too much: A few days of rest followed by gentle non-restricted movement is ideal. Do not spend long periods of time resting.
- Heat and cold packs: Apply a frozen/compressed cold pack to reduce initial inflammation, and then apply heat afterward to relax the muscles.
- Gentle stretching: Basic flexibility exercises, yoga stretches under a physiotherapist’s guidance, can help to realign the spine and relieve pressure.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, which also have anti-inflammatory aspects like ibuprofen, can help in times of soreness.
- Posture: Be aware of how the patient’s posture is when sitting, standing, and when lifting things. Patients must make sure to posturally lift with their legs and use good technique to avoid excessive strain on their back in the first place.
It is of utmost importance for a patient to always consult a doctor before beginning any exercise or new treatment plan.
How is a slipped disc treated at a hospital?
Severe cases of a slipped disc often require medical attention from a hospital.
- Advanced diagnostics: Spine specialists and the best doctor for slip disk Treatment rely on MRI or CT scans for accurate diagnosis.
- Physiotherapy: Each patient undergoes a tailored rehabilitation program focusing on pain reduction, stability of the spine, and posture correction.
- Pain management: Patients with chronic pain receive targeted nerve block injections or medications.
- Minimally invasive surgery: In very rare cases of severe injury, patients requiring the benefits of surgical options may undergo microdiscectomy or endoscopic spine surgery for long-term relief.
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