Slipped Disc

Understanding Slipped Disc
A slipped disc is one such common injury to the spine. It can be extremely painful, and may damage surrounding muscle and nerve systems. If pain is very severe, if it persists or worsens when you lie down, if it travels down your leg or if numbness sets in, then a doctor should be consulted.
Despite the common name - "slipped disc", it doesn't really "slips" out, rather the gel-like material in the centre of the disc bulges into the spinal canal. A slipped disc is also known as a pro-lapsed intervertebral disc (PID), herniated or ruptured disc.

A disc is a small mass of elastic, gristle-like tissue. Located between each vertebra in the spinal column, discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones. Thick ligaments attached to the vertebrae hold the pulpy disc material in place.

Why do disks herniate?
Occasionally, a single excessive strain may cause a slipped disc. However, disc material degenerates naturally as we age, and the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken. As this degeneration progresses, a relatively minor strain or twisting movement can cause a disc to pop out of place.
Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to disc problems, and as a consequence may suffer herniations at several places along the spine.

What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?
Extreme, sudden pain is usually the first symptom. Since most herniations involve the bottom two discs in the spinal column, the pain usually begins in the lower back. The bulging disc in this location exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve, and sharp pain may follow that nerve all the way down the leg and into the foot. Pressure on this nerve may eventually cause numbness or a "pins and needles" sensation. Over time, the surrounding muscles can weaken and shrink in size.
Discs can also rupture at higher levels in the spine causing pain and weakness in the neck, shoulders and arms.
Even if the initial pain subsides, it is important that the condition be diagnosed and treated in order to prevent further damage.

Treating Slipped Disc
The first goal of treatment is to relieve pain by decreasing the muscle spasm. Doctors may prescribe pain relievers, muscle relaxants and bed rest. As the muscle spasm subsides, the pressure in the nerve root at the disc protrusion eases. A back support corset or lumbar support is sometimes worn during the initial stages to provide the necessary support allowing the recovery and repair to take place.

Most slipped discs respond well to this kind of treatment, and a carefully designed exercise program to strengthen the surrounding muscles can be very helpful in preventing future ruptures. This essentially is allows your body natural back support muscles to take over the external supporting role of the lumbar corset. This is known as core stability training.
In some cases, however, the pain is severe and intractable; there may even be nerve damage. In these instances, a neurological surgeon may have to remove the disc material. When the disc is removed, the pressure on the nerve is released, and this may rapidly relieve pain and permit restoration of lost muscle function.