Slip Disc

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the back or neck at the same level as the damaged disc.
  • Radiating pain in the arm or leg depending on the location of the disc.
  • Numbness or tingling along the nerve that is affected.
  • Weakness of the muscles in the arm, hand, leg or foot.
  • Increased pain when sitting, coughing or sneezing.

Causes:

  • Natural wear and tear of the disc annulus with aging.
  • Sudden movements while lifting heavy weights.
  • Injuries during sports activities leading to sudden displacement of the disc.
  • Sport injuries causing sudden disc displacement.
  • Genes that make one prone to have a weak disc structure.

Risk Factors:

  • Profession that involves lifting, twisting or bending of the back.
  • Overweight that puts more pressure on the discs.
  • Sedentary lifestyle and weak core muscles.
  • Smoking which reduces nutrition in the discs and makes them wear out.
  • Old age since the discs lose their hydration and elasticity with aging.

Ways to Manage:

  • Period of time to modify activities avoiding any heavy lifting or bending.
  • Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs as recommended by your physician.
  • Physical therapy aimed at relieving pressure on the nerve and building up supporting muscles.
  • Pain blocking or epidural steroids injection in case of continuing nerve pain.
  • Returning gradually to routine activities as the symptoms get better.
  • Low-intensity walking to enhance blood flow to help with healing.
  • Nerve gliding exercises as instructed by your physiotherapist.
  • Correction exercises for the core once acute pain subsides.
  • Extension exercises such as McKenzie exercise for a lumbar slip disc.

Suggested Surgical Procedures:

A slipped disc usually heals with nonsurgical treatment within several weeks. Surgery is considered in cases where the patient suffers from severe and ongoing pain, weakness and/or problems with bladder or bowel control.

  • Microdiscectomy – removal of the part of disc causing pressure on the nerve.
  • Endoscopic discectomy – minimally invasive procedure in certain cases of disc herniation.