Summary about Disease
A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, occurs when the soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. Most slipped discs occur in the lower back (lumbar spine), but they can also occur in the neck (cervical spine).
Symptoms
Arm or leg pain: If your slipped disc is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most pain in your buttock, thigh, and calf. It might also involve part of the foot. If your slipped disc is in your neck, the pain will typically be in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze, or move into certain positions.
Numbness or tingling: Numbness or tingling may occur in the area served by the affected nerves.
Muscle weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This might cause you to stumble, or affect your ability to lift or hold items.
Incontinence: (Rare) A large disc herniation can press on the nerves that control bowel and bladder function leading to incontinence. This requires emergency medical attention.
Causes
Age-related wear and tear: Discs dry out and become less flexible as you age, making them more susceptible to tearing or rupturing with even a minor twist or strain.
Sudden strain: Lifting heavy objects, twisting, or a traumatic injury can cause a slipped disc.
Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing disc problems.
Weight: Excess body weight puts added stress on the discs in your lower back.
Occupation: Jobs that require repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting can increase the risk of a slipped disc.
Medicine Used
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve).
Prescription pain relievers: Stronger pain relievers, such as opioids, may be prescribed for short-term relief.
Muscle relaxants: These medications can help relieve muscle spasms.
Nerve pain medications: Such as gabapentin or pregabalin, can help with nerve pain.
Corticosteroids: Oral or injected corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation around the nerve.
Is Communicable
No, a slipped disc is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from one person to another.
Precautions
Maintain good posture: When sitting and standing.
Use proper lifting techniques: Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting heavy objects.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts added stress on your spine.
Exercise regularly: Strengthening your core and back muscles can help support your spine.
Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take breaks to stretch and move around.
Use a supportive mattress and pillow:
Quit smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the spine and accelerate disc degeneration.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of symptoms varies greatly. Many people find that their symptoms improve significantly within a few weeks or months with conservative treatment. However, some individuals may experience chronic pain that lasts for several months or even years. Surgery is considered if conservative treatments fail to provide relief after several months.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: A doctor will assess your reflexes, muscle strength, ability to feel certain sensations, and pain with movement.
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any activities that may have contributed to the problem.
Imaging tests:
X-ray: Can rule out other causes of back pain.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Can visualize the spinal cord and nerves and detect a slipped disc.
CT scan (computed tomography): Can provide detailed images of the bones and soft tissues in the spine.
Nerve conduction studies (Electromyography (EMG)): To check the nerve function.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies, but a typical progression might look like this:
Initial injury or strain: May be a specific event or gradual onset.
Acute pain: Intense pain, often radiating down an arm or leg, lasting for a few days to a few weeks.
Subacute pain: Pain gradually decreases over a few weeks or months.
Chronic pain (in some cases): Pain persists for more than 3 months.
Recovery: With treatment, symptoms gradually improve over weeks to months.
Important Considerations
Most slipped discs do not require surgery: Conservative treatments such as rest, pain medication, and physical therapy are often effective.
Physical therapy: It plays a key role in rehabilitation by improving range of motion, strengthening core muscles, and teaching proper body mechanics.
Surgery is an option: If conservative treatments fail to provide relief after several months.
Cauda equina syndrome: A rare but serious complication of a slipped disc that requires emergency medical attention. Symptoms include severe low back pain, weakness or paralysis in both legs, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and using proper lifting techniques can help prevent future disc problems.