Our spine is an intricate part of the body. It consists of stacked up bones called the vertebrae, and to cushion between them are circular pads made up of cartilage that contains a gel-like substance inside. These discs serve as shock absorbers that protect our spine from injuries as well as allowing it to be flexible and have a wide range of motion, such as leaning forward and backward.
A slipped disc happens when this cartilage ruptures or splits causing the gel inside to bulge or protrude. Knowing that the spine carries all the major veins from the brain to the body, a slipped disc may put pressure on it, or on a single root nerve, affecting organs or body parts to which they are connected.
Slipped discs often affect the lumbar or the lower portion of the spine, leading to lower back pain and sciatica or pain in the lower extremities. It is relatively rare that a slipped disc happens on the cervical (first seven vertebrae) or the thoracic (middle spine) area, mainly because the lumbar area has the largest share of carrying the body's weight. In most cases, a slipped disc does not show any symptoms. If pain does occur, it is probably because of pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
There are no scientific causes leading to a slipped disc, but it is mostly a result of wear and tear of the spine. It is often experienced from age 30 and above. Over the years, the spinal discs lose their elasticity. They become water resilient and are likely to rupture.
Risk factors of slipped discs include poor posture, weight and occupation. Those who are obese and people who perform repetitive hard physical labor may cause extra stress on the lower back. Vices like smoking can lower the vitality of the spine.
How is Slipped Disc Diagnosed?
Since several other diseases like tumors or arthritis may have the same symptoms as a slipped disc does, it is important to make the right diagnosis. Medical history and physical examinations, such as testing muscle strength and reflexes, and checking pain level and sensation in the limbs are usually enough to determine a slipped disc.
However, to further determine which part of the spine has a slipped disc, tests like an X-ray and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are necessary. Only in rare cases does the doctor request intensive tests such as discography where special dyes are injected into the disc to show any tear or leak. Only specialized doctors can decide which of these examinations is necessary.
What is the Treatment for a Slipped Disc?
Treatment for a slipped disc falls under two categories, the "conservative" and surgical treatments. Surgery is not the first option. It is only considered when all other alternative treatments fail. A few of the conservative options include medication, physical therapy, and exercise.
Patients who have long-term symptoms of more than six weeks may need to undergo nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, narcotic painkillers like codeine may be necessary for back and leg pain. Physicians may be forced to recommend corticosteroids, which are injectable hormones to reduce inflammation. However, taking these drugs may have wide-range effects to the patient's overall health. Constipation, allergies, and kidney failure, to name a few, may be felt a few weeks after taking these drugs. People who have hypertension and high blood may also need to take precautions and considerations.
As part of the treatment process, patients may also be referred to physiotherapists for physical rehabilitations. Therapy may include massages and manipulation to ease and alleviate pain. They may also suggest tailored exercise plans to keep the patient mobile and prevent the spine from further injury.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Help with Slipped Disc?
Another range of treatment for a slipped disc is chiropractic care, a non-evasive treatment that has been proven effective for alleviating back pain. A certified chiropractor is trained to detect which part of the spine has a protruded or ruptured disc based on physical examinations. They will look at several factors, such as the reflexes of the patient, muscle strength, or sensation on affected area especially on the lower extremities.
After careful diagnosis, your chiropractor will determine what kind of chiropractic care is needed. There are some cases where they have to turn over their patients to spine surgeons or other internal medicine specialists. Cases where the patient experiences bowel or bladder dysfunction may be due to a seriously ruptured disc.
Spine manipulation is one of the best chiropractic care choices. It is generally safe which provides mild to moderate pain relief. In fact, many patients can vouch that they felt immediate aid after treatment. Here, practitioners use their hands or other devices to apply controlled force to place the spine back to its proper alignment. This treatment may require a few sessions, until such time the spine is back to its functionality.
Back pain is a serious condition that needs immediate attention as it may pose a threat of a slipped disc. It is important that seeking help from certified practitioners and receiving proper care must be evaluated before serious injuries may be experienced.
Dr. Michael Minond is a Chiropractor in Manhattan who specializes in traditional Chiropractic Pain Relief services and an Integrated Nutritionist capable of holistic healing with natural remedies for many ailments. Learn more about fast pain relief and improving your overall health and well-being by visiting his website at NYC-Wellness-Chiropractor.com
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