Slip Disc (Herniated Disc)

A slip disc, also known as a herniated or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

Symptoms

• Pain: Often in the lower back or neck, which can radiate to the arms or legs.
• Numbness or Tingling: In the affected nerves' areas.
• Weakness: In the muscles served by the affected nerves.
• Worsening Pain: With certain movements, coughing, or sneezing.

Causes

• Aging: Disc degeneration with age.
• Injury: Sudden heavy lifting or twisting.
• Repetitive Strain: Continuous strain on the spine.
• Genetics: Family history of disc problems.
• Weight: Excess body weight adds stress to the spine.

Treatment

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that aggravate pain.
• Medications:
  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
  • Muscle relaxants.
  • Corticosteroid injections.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stabilize the spine.
• Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery (if necessary):
  • Discectomy: Removing the protruding part of the disc.
  • Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on nerves.
  • Spinal Fusion: Fusing two vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom characterized by pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.

Symptoms

• Pain: Radiating from the lower back to the buttock and down the leg.
• Numbness or Tingling: In the leg or foot.
• Weakness: In the leg or foot.
• Worsening Pain: With prolonged sitting, standing, or movements that stress the nerve.

Causes

• Herniated Disc: Pressing on the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Piriformis Syndrome: Muscle spasm or tightness pressing on the nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slipping out of place.
• Injury: Trauma to the lower back or pelvis.

Treatment

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate pain.
• Medications:
  • Pain relievers (NSAIDs, acetaminophen).
  • Muscle relaxants.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
• Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation around the nerve.
• Alternative Therapies:
  • Chiropractic care.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Massage therapy.
• Surgery (if necessary):
  • Microdiscectomy: Removing the part of the disc pressing on the nerve.
  • Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the nerve.