Slipped disc

Your spine has soft discs present in between every two vertebrae. This soft disc acts as a cushion and protects the bones by absorbing the shocks felt during normal movements. Sometimes, the soft disc is pushed out from its original position. Such a condition is referred to as a slipped disc or herniated disc. It may press a nerve in this process, making the condition extremely painful.

What are the common symptoms of a slipped disc?

The slipped discs can occur in any region between your neck and lower back. You may therefore experience the following symptoms depending on the position of the herniated disc:

•    Numbness and a tingling sensation that radiates in the shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, legs, and toes 
•    Shooting pain in the arms or legs while coughing
•    Pain after taking short walks
•    Pain in the buttocks, hips, or legs
•    Muscular weakness
•    Pain that begins at the buttock and radiates through the calf muscles

What are the causes of a slipped disc?

The following are the causes of a slipped disc:
•    Degeneration of the disc due to age
•    Injury
•    Twisting or turning actions
•    Lifting of objects in the wrong way
•    Hard exercise
•    Weak muscles
•    Sedentary lifestyle
•    Overweight

How is a slipped disc diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of slipped disc, doctors may order the following tests after noting your history:
•    An X-Ray to view the condition of the bones
•    MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetic and radio waves to get the images of the affected part
•    CT (Computed tomography) to get a series of images using X Rays
•    Myelogram to obtain images after injecting a dye in the spinal canal
•    Nerve conduction test to evaluate the working of the nerve

Which treatment options are available to treat a slipped disc?

The following treatment options are available:
•    Over the counter pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Vimovo)
•    Doctors may prescribe narcotics such as oxycodone-acetaminophen
•    Prescription medicines such as amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin, and tramadol to relieve nerve pain.
•    Surgical removal of a disc or a part of it (lamina) by surgery or relieve the compression of the sciatic nerve
•    Physical therapy, massage, and stretching exercise under the guidance of a trained professional may help