Our spinal cord is made up of several bones stacked onto each other. This spinal cord includes a total of 26 bones, known as vertebrae, which are cushioned by discs. These discs are jelly-like substances that help absorb the shocks from our daily activities like walking and lifting. Each disc is made up of two parts- one is a soft, gelatinous inner portion and the other is a tough outer ring. When any injury or weakness causes the inner portion of the disc to protrude outwards, it is known as a slipped or herniated disc.
This can cause pain and discomfort or in extreme cases even numbness and pain. It is common in people in their middle age, usually between ages 20 to 50. It is mostly seen in men than in women. Slipped disc usually occurs in the lower back or the neck and rarely in the mid back. For amazing slipped disc treatments, you can consult Dr. Manohar Kanwaria.
Symptoms of Slipped Disc
Slipped disc problems can cause pain anywhere from your neck to your lower back. The most common area for slipped disc pain is the lower back. Slipped discs place extra pressure on your spinal cord which already is a busy network of various nerves and muscles.
In the Lower Back
The most common slipped disc symptom of a herniated disc in the lower back is a sharp pain in the “sciatic nerve” that shoots down from one side of your body to your foot. Some more symptoms of slipped disc in the lower back include back pain, and weakness in muscles.
In the Neck
Symptoms of slipped discs in the neck include neck pain, pain between your shoulder blades, and numbness in the arms. Slipped disc pain areas also include travelling pain in shoulders, arms, hands and arms, pain that increases at night or with some specific movements.
Causes of Slipped Disc
As already discussed, slipped discs are made up of two parts- the inner layer is soft gel-like while the outer one is quite firm. As you get older, the outer layer starts to wear off and can crack. A slipped disc occurs when the soft gel-like substance starts to push itself out of the crack. The leaked substance can press some surrounding nerve causing sharp pain.
The most common causes of slipped disc pain are aging, strained repetitive motions, overweight, and strain from sudden twisting and turning.
Some certain motions like lifting heavy objects can put a great strain on the lower back which can result in slipped discs. People with physically demanding jobs and overweight individuals are at a high risk for a slipped disc. This is because their discs have to support the additional weight.
Individuals with weak muscles, a sedentary lifestyle, and people of older age are also more likely to experience slipped discs as their discs begin to lose their protective water content which can result in the discs slipping more easily out of their place.
Diagnosis
For proper diagnosis of slipped disc pain, a thorough exam is required. In this assessment, your doctor will check your pain, sensations, reflexes, and muscle strengths and will enquire about your symptoms of slipped disc. Dr. Manohar Kanwaria offers the following tests:
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This scan is able to show the bones in your spine. Slipped discs can move into nearby spaces and press against the nerves causing pain.
- X-rays: These can help the doctors to rule out the various other causes of the pain.
- Electromyogram (EMG): It helps to precisely know which nerve has the slipped disc affected. During this procedure, small needles are placed into various muscles and the function of your nerves is evaluated.
- Myelogram: It involves an injection of dye into your spine using X-rays and CT scans. This dye reveals the location of the slipped discs.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging: It is the most common and accurate imaging test for a slipped disc emerging from symptoms of a slipped disc.
Treatment
The following are the most common slipped disc treatment options:
Selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs)
They are minimally invasive procedures that target the spinal nerves to relieve pain. These injections contain a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and block pain signals between the spinal nerves and the brain. Fluoroscopy, or X-ray guidance, ensures precise injection into the neural sheath, the protective tissue surrounding the nerve root. SNRBs are used both diagnostically and therapeutically to treat nerve pain originating from the spine.
Nucleoplasty
It is another minimally invasive procedure that targets nerve roots and herniated discs by using fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure uses a local anesthetic in the epidural space and can provide significant relief from disc-related pain, with success rates between 76% and 88%. It is used for short- or long-term pain relief depending on the patient’s condition.
Endoscopic laminoplasty
It is a highly effective and minimally invasive surgery that frees nerves in the foramen, the bony tunnel through which the spinal cord exits. This procedure is especially useful for treating herniated discs that put pressure on nerves, and most patients can resume work within one to two weeks.
Biacuplasty
It is designed to treat chronic discogenic pain and uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals by targeting the nerves within the intervertebral disc. This outpatient procedure offers a quick recovery and is a non-surgical option for disc-related pain.
Ozone discectomy
It uses a mixture of oxygen and ozone to shrink herniated discs and reduce inflammation. This outpatient procedure reduces pressure on spinal nerves, providing significant pain relief with minimal risk of complications.
Full endoscopic spine fixation
It addresses spinal issues like herniated discs and stenosis using small incisions, endoscopic tools, and occasionally screws and rods to stabilize the spine. This slipped disc treatment leads to faster recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Conclusion
Slipped disc is a common concern among youth and middle-aged individuals, but with precise diagnosis and proper treatment, they can be effectively managed and even fully treated, helping patients avoid long-term complications and regain their quality of life.For expert slipped disc treatment, trust Dr Manohar Kanwaria, a leading pain specialist known for his minimally invasive techniques and personalized care. His advanced approach ensures effective pain relief and quicker recovery, making him the best choice for spinal health.
