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A prolapsed disc, also known as a slipped or herniated disc, occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc breaks through the outer ring and puts pressure on nerves. Symptoms include lower back pain and pain in the legs, and severe cases may require surgery. It is important to seek medical attention, as a rare complication called cauda equina syndrome can occur. Treatment includes moderate activity, pain medication, and surgery if necessary. Slipped discs are more common in men aged 30-50 and can’t always be prevented, but exercise can contribute to overall good health.
A prolapsed disc may also be called a slipped disc or a herniated disc. Those familiar with other hernias may understand the latter term better. A hernia is often thought of as a bulge or extrusion of tissue, where it doesn’t belong. Prolapsed disc is similar, although it occurs in the discs of the spine.
The spine has special padding between each vertebra and these are called discs. Discs have a soft center called the nucleus pulposus and then a harder outer ring. Sometimes, that soft center breaks the outer ring and extrudes, which can put pressure on other spinal structures like nerves.
Depending on which disc has slipped, pain can be felt in numerous places. It can result in lower back pain and many prolapsed discs occur in the lower back. People might also notice pain in one or both legs. The pain felt can vary in severity, and some people may not even be aware they have a prolapsed disc. Others are well aware of this and the pain felt is extreme and can occur suddenly.
Some forms of movement aggravate the discomfort, while lying down can relieve it. This is certainly a condition that requires a doctor’s attention. A rare complication, called cauda equina syndrome, which includes severe pain and an inability to urinate or have a bowel movement, can occur. The area around the rectum may also feel numb. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention because permanent damage to the nerves that feed these areas can occur without medical intervention.
Most people are simply in pain, without having cauda equina syndrome. Only about 10% of people will require extreme measures such as surgery to treat a prolapsed disc. In many cases, the area of prolapse shrinks and improves within a few weeks of first seeing symptoms, and the pain is not significant enough to consider surgery.
The basic treatments when a prolapsed disc is diagnosed is to pursue moderate activity as recommended by your doctor, but to avoid any activity that appears to exacerbate the pain. People may require pain medication, and some are helped by over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Others may require stronger prescription drugs that contain things like codeine. Some people are also helped with muscle relaxants or tranquilizers.
When pain persists beyond the six-week mark, or if the area of prolapse is significant, there are surgeries that can treat this condition. Most surgeries simply remove the bulging area of the disc, and this treatment can be relatively effective. However, it doesn’t always end the pain or solve the problem completely.
Slipped discs tend to occur more often in men. They are also more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. The cause of them isn’t always clear, and it’s also not definitive that being in good physical health means avoiding them completely. However, it’s important to stay in good shape and do exercises that can strengthen your back muscles and abs. While these can’t prevent a prolapsed disc, they do contribute to overall sound health.
