A herniated or slipped disc can cause sharp back pain that makes it difficult for a person to perform even the simplest acts or movements. It is also known as a ruptured disc; it occurs when one of the intervertebral discs (rubbery cushions) between the bones or vertebrae in the spine gets damaged and bulges out. This condition can affect the neck, lower back, and even arms/legs, making daily tasks difficult. Ignoring the symptoms could lead to future issues; so, it is imperative to seek a diagnosis and start treatment immediately. Understanding slipped disc symptoms, its causes and its management can help you to take proactive steps towards relief and recovery, whether it’s because of getting older, an accident, or bad posture.
Slipped Disc Symptoms
The signs of a slipped disc depend on where the injury is and whether it is pressing on a nerve. The following are typical slipped disc symptoms:
- Localised or radiation of Pain: If the disc slips in the lower back, pain can radiate to the buttocks, thigh, leg, and foot. The pain might move to the shoulder and arm if it starts in the neck.
- Numbness or tingling: People who have a slipped disc often feel numbness or tingling spread out in the area that the nerve supplies.
- Weak muscle weakness: A slipped disc can weaken muscles, making it hard to move and hold things without falling.
- Sharp or burning pain: Moving, coughing, sneezing, or changing positions can worsen the pain.
Slip Disc Causes
Slipping discs are often caused by getting older, moving too much, or bad habits in daily life. The most frequent slip disc causes are as follows:
- Age-related degeneration: Spinal discs become less flexible with age, making them more likely to tear or burst.
- Improper lifting: If you lift big things using your back muscles instead of your leg muscles, you could have a slip disc problem.
- Sudden trauma: Accidents, falls, or injuries that happen quickly can cause a disc to slip.
- Repetitive movements: A slipped disc is more likely to happen if you constantly put stress on your back, especially at jobs that are hard on your body.
- Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on the spine discs, which makes them more likely to bulge.
Diagnosis of Slipped Disc
Doctors do a complete physical check and look at the patient’s symptoms to determine if they have a slipped disc. An often-used test is the straight leg raise test, in which the patient’s leg is raised to see if there is pain in the slip disc pain area. Some other testing tools are:
- MRI Scan: This test gives doctors clear pictures of the structures in the spine to confirm if a disc has slipped.
- X-rays: X-rays show if there are any other problems with the spine.
- CT scan: A CT scan gives you cross-sectional pictures of your spine that make it easier to see any abnormality.
- Electromyogram (EMG): Checks nerve activity and finds nerve compression from a slipped disc.
How to Treat a Slipped Disc?
Most of the time, non-surgical techniques are used in slipped disc treatment to manage symptoms and re-establish function. The following are the main slipped disc treatment options:
- Pain medications: Ibuprofen and paracetamol are two over-the-counter painkillers that can help lessen pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Slipped disc exercises with a guide can help build muscle in the back and increase mobility.
- Spinal injections: Spinal shots with steroids help reduce swelling and pain caused by the slipped disc.
- Rest and change your activities: Short-term rest can help ease symptoms, but you should avoid being inactive for too long to avoid getting stiff.
- Heat and cold therapy: Applying ice or heat to the area where you have can help ease the pain.
- Intervention through surgery: In severe cases, operations like laminectomy, microdiscectomy, or spinal fusion may be needed.
Exercises for a Slipped Disc
Exercises for a slipped disc are very important for healing and keeping it from happening. The following are some suggestions for slipped disc exercises:
- Pelvic tilts: Pelvic tilts strengthen the muscles in your lower back and stomach.
- Bridges: Work out your core to help stabilise your back.
- Cat-cow stretch: This stretch makes your spine more flexible and less stiff.
- Knee-to-chest stretch: This stretches eases pain in the lower back.
- Hamstring stretches: Stretching your hamstrings can help relieve pressure on your lower back.
Summary
Understanding slip disc meaning is important, it can make everyday life difficult, but getting the proper treatment and diagnosis early can ease the pain and keep the problem from worsening. People can effectively manage their condition by recognising slipped disc symptoms, comprehending their meaning, and implementing appropriate slipped disc exercises. If slip disc pain doesn’t go away after treatment, you should see a doctor for a more thorough review.
