How does slipped disc feel? can it heal on its own?
If we observe the anatomy of our spinal column, then we can notice that it is comprised of several bones which include the cervical spine, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, followed by the sacrum and coccyx at the base.
All these bones are protected by a disc that imbibes shocks from the regular movements like walking, twisting and lifting.
Each of these discs consists of two segments, namely, the mushy gelatinous inner part and hard outer ring.
Owing to an injury or improper lifting the inner portion of the disc can bulge or herniate.
This process is commonly known as slip, herniate or prolapsed disc. When this slipped-disc comes into contact with the outer spinal nerve, it can cause numbness, pain and discomfort.
In extreme cases, the patient has to undergo surgery for the repair or removal of the slipped disc.
The reasons behind a slipped disc:
● With ageing, the disc began to lose the water content and dry out.
● Overweight individuals are more prone to slipped disc since their disc have to bear the extra burden of the weight.
● A disc can also slip out of place in some activities like twisting, turning and lifting.
These symptoms can detect a slipped disc:
● Pain occurring in the arms and legs
● Pain experienced in the arms and legs
● Pain and numbness on one side of the body.
● Pain that exaggerates at night with certain movements.
● Pain that triggers while walking a short distance.
● Pain that starts after standing and sitting.
● Undisclosed muscle weakness.
● Aching, tingling, and burning sensation in the afflicted area.
Diagnosis and treatment in a slipped disc:
If a slipped disc is untreated for a prolonged time, it can cause severe complications in the body.
This can lead to the cut-off of the nerve impulse in the legs and lower backs where a patient loses control of bladder and bowel movement.
Another case is the saddle anaesthesia, where the nerves get compressed and cause to lose sensation in inner thighs, legs and rectum.
So whenever you experience pain, visit Neurologists in Chennai for a full physical examination. The doctor will diagnose the nerve function, muscle strength and after knowing your medical history can recommend tests like CT scan, MRI scan, X-ray or discograms.
Depending on your test results and the level of discomfort, the doctor can suggest the following methods of treatment.
Surgical Treatments:
Microsurgical discectomy: In this process, the surgeon makes 1–2 inches incision on the middle back portion. Through a special instrument, the ruptured disc touching the spinal nerve is carefully removed. Approximately 80–85% of patients are recovered and can join their workplaces within 6weeks.
Minimally invasive microendoscopic discectomy: This process is much advanced and causes less pain compared to the traditional discectomy. The ruptured disc is removed using a microscope or endoscope.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Medication: In medication doctors typically prescribes several methods like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), pain relievers, steroids, and muscle relaxants. You can also consult the spine surgeons in Chennai, known for their advanced treatment.
Steroid injections: Sometimes, the medicines are delivered to the painful areas by injecting steroids into the epidural space of the spine under X-ray fluoroscopy.
Physical therapy: The physical therapists can instruct stretching to improve the flexibility of the legs and spine. They can also guide on proper posture, walking, lifting and other techniques to strengthen the back muscles.
Holistic activities: There are numerous activities like acupressure, acupuncture, nutritional intake, meditation, yoga, etc., to maintain and improve the overall lifestyle.
Self-care: In the majority of the cases, it has been found that slip disc recovers within a couple of days and completely restores in 4–6 weeks. Limiting your activities, taking counter medications, and heat/ice therapy will help you recover soon.
Back pain generally affects 8 out of 10 people in their lives and cures within a maximum of 6 weeks. It will not be possible to prevent it entirely, but indulging in these practices can prevent slip disc-like maintaining healthy body weight, regular stretching and workout, good posture, proper lifting mechanism and quit smoking.
If you are in search on spine surgeons , specialists and if you live in Chennai, Click here to know more
FORTIS MALAR HOSPITAL CHENNAI
Address: №52, 1st Main Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020
Phone: 099625 99933
