A slipped disc has actually not slipped at all, rather it has ruptured or otherwise lost its jelly like fluid, causing it to deflate. This creates issues because spinal discs are pads that rest between vertebrae and provide shock absorption and other types of protection for the spine; without the fluid inside, they cannot perform this function. A variety of injuries or degenerative conditions can lead to the rupture or flattening of the disc, which can in turn, lead to a variety of painful conditions. Other names for the condition include ruptured disc, herniated discs, prolapsed disc and disc protrusions.

When a disc ruptures, weight is borne directly on the spinal cord or on the surrounding nerve fiber, which leads to pain in that area of the back or anywhere that the nerve controls. Numbness and tingling can also be associated with slipped disc syndrome. A ruptured, or herniated, disc can result from a variety of conditions. Lifting improperly or over long periods of time can create these issues, in particular if twisting or bending is associated with the lifting. Obesity can also be a factor, as the added body weight puts stress on the discs. Trauma is more rarely associated, but it is a known cause of ruptured discs.

Slipped discs symptoms can occur anywhere in the spine, including the neck; however, it is most commonly associated with the low back. Ruptured discs will in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arms and hands. When discs in the lower back are affected, these symptoms can be experienced in the back, legs and feet. Pain can run down the back of the leg, from the butt to the knee, a condition which is known as sciatica. There can also be numbness in the anus and genitals. Pain is often felt when coughing, straining, walking and doing leg raises. In some cases, patients have trouble controlling bowel and bladder movement.

Because nerves can be involved, the pain can be felt in the location of the affected area of the back, or referred to other places in the body touched by the impacted nerve. Pain can range from moderate to quite severe, and numbness or weakness can also be associated with the condition.

Slipped Disc Diagnostics

Diagnostics tools used to determine where the condition exists represent a wide range of tools. On the initial visit, the doctor will usually test neuromuscular function, and will have the patient bend over, and lie on his back and lift his legs. If pain is experienced while performing these last two tests, it will be an indication of the presence of a slipped disc. The doctor can also order X-ray film of the back or neck, if the case warrants, though often it does not. In many cases, an X- ray is not needed to make a diagnosis, but might be used later if the symptoms persist.

Other imaging tools that could be used include: MRI or myelogram. A myelogram is done by injecting dye into the spine to indicate problem areas in discs. Bone scans might also be ordered. These will show fracture, tumors or infection. Bone scans are very unlikely to be ordered as part of the initial diagnostic and MRI myelograms are also rarely used early in treatment.

slipped disc treatments generally take a conservative course. First steps usually involve alternating cold packs and then hot packs for and a short period (one day or so) of bed rest. Long term best rest is specifically not recommended. This initial period is followed by limited activity, which is then typically followed up as soon as possible with light exercise and stretching. Patients are sometimes reluctant to begin exercise and stretching, but doing so within safe parameters accelerates recovery, and failure to do so can both lengthen recovery and increase the odds of complications.

Over the counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are used to handle pain in most cases. In more severe cases, prescription pain relievers may be advised, including muscle relaxants and steroids are also sometimes used to treatment the pain symptoms.

slipped disc exercises can be taught during physical therapy, as part of the course of treatment so that patients can improve their odds of avoiding a recurrence of the issues down the road, or additional injury.

Surgery might be recommended if conservative treatment does not work, or pain is particular severe. While at one time, surgery was used early on in the treatment sequence, studies have shown that unless there is some other compelling factor in favor of surgery that it is more effective after all other treatments have been exhausted.

As is the case with many conditions, preventative care is always the best, and preventative care can be very effective in forestalling disc issues. This is particularly pertinent for people who are at high risk for developing the condition, including people who are obese, who do a lot of heavy lifting or extreme athletics and those who smoke. These people are advised to reduce weight, stop smoking, learn proper posture and lifting techniques.

They are also advised exercise regularly.

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