Back pain is a very common problem. Unlike other injuries, the basis of back pain could be anything. One minute you’re watching TV on your couch and then try to get up but you cannot because there is a sharp pain in your back. The cause for this pain can be a slipped disk.
A slipped disc – also known as prolapsed disc or disk herniation (disc herniation) – can cause many problems in everyday routine.
Anatomy of the Spine
The spine is made up of 26 bones. Each bone is called a vertebra which is separated from the other one with a soft jellylike disc. These discs are responsible for the movement of spine without the bones colliding with each other. If any one of these discs slips out of place, the bones collide with each other which causes discomfort and sharp pain.
Nerves from all the parts of the body are connected to the spine. A bulging disk (bulging disk) may obstruct the spinal canal, or impinge on any spinal nerves nearby, which might get pinched. Due to this pinching, the affected nerves may lead to pain, numbness and weakness. One of the most common nerves to become pinched is the sciatic nerve, located in the lumbar spine, and running down the back of each leg.
Signs of a Slipped Disc
The part of the spine where the pain is located can indicate whether you suffer from a slipped disc. The most common area affected by slipped disc is the lower part of the back, which is also known as the lumbar spine. Due to a slipped disc, the pain can radiate all the way down to buttocks, thighs and even calves, causing not just back pain, but also leg pain.
The pain usually aggravates while performing any activities. Even coughing and sneezing can exaggerate your symptoms because it might put pressure on the nerve roots around the slipped disc that have been pinched. Age can also be a factor as aging decreases the cushioning ability of the discs.
Causes of Slipped Disc
The weakening or tearing of the outer ring allows the inner portion of the disc to slip out. The slipped disc can be due to aging because with the passage of time, the water content in the discs is lost.
It can also be due to certain repetitive movements, twisting, turning and lifting large or heavy objects because all of these tasks can put a strain on the lower back. A physically demanding job or being overweight also present a great risk of a slipped or herniated disk (herniated disc).
Diagnosis for a Slipped Disc
Any signs of back pain should be taken very seriously. Therefore, if you suffer from lower back pain that is not going away even after the passage of a few days, you must seek medical advice consult a doctor at once.
The doctor will perform a physical exam to locate the source of the pain and discomfort. The doctor will examine the nerve function and muscle strength and also by pressing the affected area to see if you feel pain. All your symptoms and medical history will be taken into account by the doctor which will include the first time you felt the pain and if performing certain tasks causes the pain to worsen.
Apart from physical examination the doctor may recommend additional (imaging) tests and also perform X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or discograms. All these examinations and tests will be taken into account to identify the source of the problem.
Preventing a Slipped Disc
Preventing a slipped disc is possible by taking certain steps. These steps include:
- By using the specified safe lifting technique i.e. bending and lifting from knees instead of using back bone.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Avoiding being seated for long periods of times. Stretching periodically.
- Exercising for strengthening of core muscles i.e back, legs and abdomen.
Complications Associated with a Slipped Disc
If the disc is left untreated, it might cause further dislocation of the disc which can cause permanent nerve damage in the affected area.
It has been noted that in some cases a severely slipped disc has been responsible for blocking nerve impulses to the lower back and legs, which can lead to problems like sciatica, piriformis syndrome or cauda equina syndrome. If this happens, an individual might lose bowel or bladder control, something that happens when a person suffers from cauda equina syndrome, where the cauda equina nerve becomes pinched.
Another severe complication is losing sensation in inner thighs, back of the legs and around rectum due to the compression of nerves by a slipped disc.
Treating a Slipped Disc
A slipped disc can disc can either be treated through surgical procedures (which carry a high level of risk) or they can be addressed through non-surgical procedures that are safer.
These treatments include steroid injections in the affected area, medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and physical therapy to reduce pain in the short term.
An even better alternative, that offers long-lasting results, is to engage in spinal decompression therapy with the help of an orthopaedic device, such as the Backrack.
Backrack Natural Spine Treatment
Author: Spinal Backrack
