What is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc, or herniated disc, and is a medical condition where there is a tear in the outer ring of the spinal disc.
The spinal discs act like support cushions in between the vertebrae, which makes up the spinal column. The spinal column is made up of 23 discs and are positioned between the vertebra. They are tough ligaments that hold the vertebrae of the spine together and act as shock absorbers and allow for mobility in the spine.
Spinal discs have a tough exterior that protects a soft, gelatinous gel center. Damage to the outer ring of the disc causes the gel center to protrude out and causes a herniated disc as the gel presses on the nerve roots in the spine. It can be extremely painful because it affects nearby nerves and pain is continuously felt and is isolated in one part of the body.
Spinal discs degenerate over time, which makes the outer rings more susceptible to damage that may be caused by strain, injury and trauma. It can also result from another condition called disc protrusion where the outer ring remains intact but the gel center pushes out.
What are the symptoms of a Slipped Disc?
Symptoms of Slipped Disc may vary from person to person depending on the location of the herniated disc and whether the disc is pressing on a nerve. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the buttocks, thigh, calf, or foot
- Numbness or tingling that radiates from the affected part of the spine
- Scatica or shooting pain from the lower back down the buttocks or legs
- Weakness in the muscles or the inability to hold or lift items
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements and urination
- Sharp or burning pain in the shoulder or arms that may get worse when sneezing, coughing or moving into different positions
What causes a Slipped Disc?
Slipped Discs may be caused by:
- Age-related Wear and Tear
- Sudden or excessive strain
- Repetitive motions
- Lifestyle factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
- Genetic predisposition
- Poor posture like slouching or hunching
- Degeneration due to prolonged sitting or driving
What are the risk factors of a Slipped Disc?
The following factors may increase your risk of a slipped disc:
- Age: Slipped discs are more common in people aged 30 - 50 years, and men are twice as likely to experience slipped discs.
- Genetics: People with a family history of slipped sics are more likely to have a predisposition for the condition
- Occupation: Jobs which are strenuous and physically demanding increases your risk of a slipped disc.
- Poor posture: Poor posture while exercising or sitting for long periods of time may increase your risk of developing a slipped disc.
- Smoking: Toxins from cigarettes and tobacco products prevent absorption of nutrients by the discs, which in turn accelerates disc degeneration and contributes to disc damage.
- Weight: Being overweight causes extra stress on the discs in your lower back.
How do you prevent a Slipped Disc?
While it is not always possible to prevent a bulging disc, you can still reduce your risk by:
- Practicing proper lifting techniques: Don't bend at the waist, bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Use your leg muscles to support the load.
How is a Slipped Disc diagnosed?
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound, x-ray or CT scan to check for spinal deformities or bone abnormalities.
