Slipped Disk: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Vaibhav Saxena

, Treatments

The slipped disk condition is considered to be the common spinal dysfunction which is in actual not much of a common condition. This condition can arouse multiple troubles in performing the motor functions and ultimately can lead you to bed rest. It must be treated seriously and effectively by anyone who has encountered.

 

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What is Slipped Disk?

 

The spinal column comprises sequenced bones which are called vertebrae. These vertebrates are placed like a stack in a vertical manner which means upside down. There are seven bones in the cervical spine, 12 in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx at the base.

 

In order to provide a smooth movement between these columns, a disk is settled which often slips out and causes immense pain. This slipping is caused due to Injury or weakness in the inner portion of the disk to protrude through the outer ring.

 

This condition is also called herniated, prolapsed, or slipped disk. The pain caused due to the slipped disk in quite unbearable whereas after a few time the nerve near the spine is compressed which causes numbness and discomfort. Recognising the symptoms is extremely essential to find the proper care and cure.

 

 

 

What are the Symptoms of Slipped Disk?

 

Slipped disk is the condition which not only affects the back of the person also causes difficulty and pain in many other parts of the body. The spinal column is the major support for the body. Underlying is the possible symptoms of a herniated disk.

  • Pain and numbness on one side of the body
  • Extended pain in arms or legs
  • Worsen pain during the night time
  • More pain after standing or sitting
  • Pain when walking short distances
  • Unexplained muscle weakness

 

 

 

What are the Causes of the Slipped disk?

 

The slipped disk is caused due to the damage caused to the outer ring of the disk due to many factors which can be age, overweight, twisting movement and be lifting the excessive weight. Age can cause bones to get brittle and fragile due to losing calcium.

 

Whereas, the spinal column faces overweight, straining movements and weight lifting that causes damage to the outer ring of the disk. This damage causes the inner ring of the disk slip out and that is where all the problem begins.

 

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How is the Slipped Disk Diagnosed?

 

In order to analyze the condition of the herniated or prolapsed disk, the doctors will conduct a physical exam initially to trace the symptoms and severity of the condition. Later, the doctor will conduct the following tests to diagnose in depth for better treatment.

  • X-rays
  • CT scans
  • MRI scans
  • Discograms

 

 

 

What is the Treatment for Slipped Disk?

 

This is the condition which is only treated according to the chronicity of it. In case of mild pain and discomfort, the doctor would recommend rest and better posture for relief. Whereas, if the condition is not improved then many other measures are suggested which are enlisted below.

 

1. Medications:

Muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, and narcotics are been prescribed by the doctor for the patient. These medications are ideal for providing relief to the pain in nerves, bones, and muscles. Also, these medications eliminate the risks and soothe the movement which had been turned stiff.

 

 

2. Surgery:

Neck surgery and back surgery are considered to be the most severe and risky surgeries among all the surgeries. Hence, the surgical measure for the slipped disk is only taken in case of failure of all the other measures and condition of extreme criticality.

 

 

 

How to Prevent the Slipped Disk?

 

There are many measures that can be taken in order to eliminate the risk factors and causes os the herniated disk.

  • Only use safe lifting techniques that are bending and lifting with the knees and not the waist.
  • Uphold a healthy weight for your body.
  • Do not stay on the sitting posture, keep stretching and bending.
  • Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back, legs, and abdomen.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

The slipped disk is a condition that has been affecting every other working or even inactive person in the world. This condition is highly ignored by people due to not much criticality in the primary stage whereas it becomes severe if not treated promptly. It is always better to choose precaution over the cure.

 

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