wrongdoctors

What is prolapsed disc (slipped disc)?

Prolapsed or slipped disc refers to a condition wherein all or part of a spinal disc gets forced through a weakened portion of the disc. The spinal cord or the back bone is made up of 26 small bones known as the vertebrae. The spinal discs are fluid filled soft structures that provide a cushioning effect to the vertebrae. Any condition that causes the slippage of these disks can lead to pain and discomfort in the back region. In case if a nerve is compressed by the slipped disc then it can result in pain in the regions supplied by the affected nerve. This condition is often known as herniated disc.

Prolapsed disc is a condition commonly noted in individuals between the ages 30 and 50 years. Men are twice more commonly known to suffer from this condition when compared to women.


How does a slip disc occur?

In general a spinal disc does not ‘slip,’ but it actually gets split or ruptured leading to release of the fluids within the discs. Such a leakage can lead to application of pressure on the spinal cord leading to symptoms of pain. The rupture of the disc occurs generally following regular wear and tear of the spinal discs during regular activities.


What are the symptoms of prolapsed (slipped) disc?

Pain is one of the commonest prolapsed disc symptoms. The signs and symptoms are mainly dependent on the affected disc region and the severity of the rupture. The spinal cord is the major part of the nervous system and any injury to the cord can affect the regions being supplied by it. The prolapsed disc symptoms can vary in severity depending upon the amount compression noted on the spinal cord.

In most of the cases the slipped disc symptoms occur as a result of the compression of the nerves that form a part of the spinal cord. The pain and discomfort experienced may vary based on the type of nerve that is affected. In general some of the slipped disc symptoms include pain in the back or the neck region, tingling or numbness in the affected nerve regions and muscle spasms or weakness.

Pain

Pain is generally noted at the region of the prolapsed disc. When pain is noted in far away regions other than the back then it may be due to compression of the nerve supplying that region. The severity and type of pain may vary depending upon the amount of compression brought about by the prolapsed disc.

The pain is generally noted in the lower back region or in the neck and can vary from a mild tingling sensation to a burning or pulsating pain. In some cases the pain may be severe enough to cause an inability to move.

One more feature noted is that the pain generally occurs only on one side of the body. In case of prolapsed disc in the lower back region the pain may be felt in the butt, hip or the leg on one side. Pain while moving the neck or shoulder may be noted in cases where the upper regions of the spinal cord are affected. Additionally the pain may radiate to the arm and the forearm.

Pain associated with prolapsed (slipped) disc often starts slowly and gradually worsens with time. It may also worsen while standing, sleeping, sneezing, coughing or walking for short distances.

Numbness

Numbness or tingling sensations are also part of the slipped disc symptoms. As with pain, these sensations are also noted in different regions based on the nerve that is affected. Complete numbness may make it difficult to move the arm or the leg.

Weakness in the muscles

Apart from pain and numbness, the affected muscles may also feel weak. It may be difficult to move the arm or the leg, grasp things tightly or other related problems.

The prolapsed (slipped) disc symptoms may gradually fade over some time or may worsen if the injury or stress on the affected discs continues to occur.

What should one do in case of prolapsed disc?

A doctor should be consulted if you have any prolapsed (slipped) symptoms. The diagnosis of a prolapsed (slipped) disc is made on the basis of signs and symptoms noted and imaging studies such as x-rays, MRI or CT scans. The treatment for prolapsed or slipped disc varies with the severity of the condition and can range from rest to surgery.

Home measures

Although strict bed rest is rarely advised, rest to the affected region for a brief period of time is generally followed. One should limit the movements in the affected regions of the spinal disc in order to limit the injury or excessive wear.
Application of hot or cold compresses on the affected discs can be helpful in reducing inflammation.
Physical therapy as directed by the doctor can be performed at home in order to reduce the prolapsed (slipped) disc symptoms. The physical therapy generally includes stretching and strengthening exercises.

Lifestyle changes

Slipped disc may generally occur due to poor postures and improper lifestyles. The physical therapists will evaluate your walking, running or lifting patterns and advise some modifications in these activities. Proper diet to ensure weight loss or weight maintenance with adequate exercises is also considered important.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory tablets or injections are also advised to reduce the pain and inflammation in the affected regions. Steroid injections injected directly near the affected discs can sometime be helpful.

Surgery

Surgery is often considered as the last option in the management of the slipped (prolapsed) disc symptoms. This option is generally advised in those who are not relieved of the pain despite following home measures, lifestyle changes and medications.
Most of the individuals with prolapsed (slipped) disc symptoms tend to recover within 4-6 weeks of the treatment. A doctor should always be consulted to rule out the presence of any other underlying disorders.