A slipped disc, also known as a herniated, bulging, compressed, or prolapsed disc, can cause pain, numbness, and loss of function. It occurs when the gel filling of a spinal disc leaks due to pressure from the vertebrae. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, and surgery.
Slipped disc is a term used loosely to describe an abnormal condition in which a spinal disc is under pressure between two vertebrae. It is also called herniated disc, bulging disc, compressed disc and prolapsed disc. A slipped disc usually causes pain that can range from mild to severe. Depending on where the rupture is located, it can also cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, and in severe cases, a slipped disc can interfere with bowel and bladder function, creating a life-threatening emergency.
The spine is made up of flat bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other, with the ability to move independently, giving the back its characteristic flexibility. Between the vertebrae, the discs are donut-shaped cushions with a hard outer shell made of cartilage and a spongy, gel-like filling that absorbs shock from running, jumping, or other jarring movements. When the disc experiences too much pressure from the vertebrae above and below it, the outer shell can become damaged, allowing the gel filling to leak into the surrounding body cavities. When this material presses on spinal nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, and loss of function in other parts of the body.
A disk can fail in several ways. A slipped disc can result from a serious trauma, such as an automobile accident or sports injury. Scoliosis can put excessive pressure on the discs, and severe obesity can also put more pressure on the discs than they were designed to handle. Degenerative disc disease, a normal aging process, causes discs to shrink and become brittle, making them more susceptible to injury.
A slipped or ruptured disc is most commonly diagnosed by a doctor using X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. Because the disc is made of soft tissue, it doesn’t show up on a plain x-ray; however, a doctor can look at and measure the spaces between the vertebrae to determine if further testing is needed. CT and MRI scans allow your doctor to view soft tissue to determine the exact location of the slipped disc, as well as the amount and location of any disc material that has leaked from the disc.
Treatment for a slipped disc varies depending on the cause and severity of the injury. The goal of any treatment is to reduce the pressure on the injured disc. Conservative approaches may include physical therapy, massage, anti-inflammatory medications, and changes in diet and exercise if obesity is the root cause. Scoliosis can be treated with a back brace. In cases where the injury is life-threatening or the pain hasn’t been relieved by more conservative approaches, surgery may be needed to remove the broken material and stabilize the vertebrae around it. You should discuss with your doctor which treatment plan is right for your situation.
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