Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 15, 2014 6:48 PM IST
Slipped disc is a common back pain condition which usually affects people in the age group of 30 - 50 years. As compared to females, males are more prone to this clinical condition. Although slipped disc may result in people with underlying disease conditions like spinal tumor, arthritis, infection or fractures, there are many known factors that put an individual at an increased risk of this health complication. These include bad posture, occupation involving heavy lifting or bending, depression, sports (gymnastics or tennis), lack of physical exercise and genetics.
Characterized by back pain and swelling in the lower back, early detection of slipped disc helps in better treatment of the condition. With diagnostics techniques like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), detecting a spinal problem and undergoing appropriate treatment is possible. Dr Satnam Singh Chhabra, Neuro and Spine Surgeon, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi says, In recent years, MRI scanning has become the most preferred diagnostic tool to detect slipped disc. This is because it clearly shows the site and extent of nerve compression and disc prolapse. Once diagnosed, there are many treatment options available to deal with the condition. Although most patients respond well to pain killers and muscle relaxants, they might require other non-surgical therapies or surgery to reverse the condition. Here are different treatment options currently used to treat slipped disc in India
Non-drug options for slipped disc treatment
The common non-drug options that are known to provide relief against various symptoms of slipped disc include spine manipulation and physiotherapy.
Apart from these, treatment options like acupuncture, bed rest, hot or cold packs or traction are touted to be effective in dealing with slipped disc. But further research has to be done in this field to know the exact mechanism and efficiency of these approaches in the treatment of slipped disc.
Drug treatments used for slipped disc
In most cases, a slipped disc gets better with time and there might be no need to take medicines. But several times as the condition worsens, doctors recommend the use of pain killers to reduce pain and swelling and make the patient feel slightly better. People can also get injections to alleviate pain, but all these measures provide only symptomatic relief. (Read: Slipped disc: A holistic approach to its management and treatment)
Surgery to treat slipped disc
Surgery is usually recommended for people (around 10-20%) who still either suffer pain after conservative treatment, are paralysed or suffer from bladder dysfunction. The endoscopic surgery is performed by making a tiny incision in the back with the help of an endoscope. After surgery, patients can go back home on the same day or within 24 hours. Although it is advised that people should go back to their work after few days, normal daily activities like going to toilet or walking can be resumed on the same day itself.
Our expert Dr Satnam Singh Chhabra, Neuro & Spine Surgeon, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi says, Generally, people are very scared of spinal surgery because of the risk of getting paralyzed, bedridden or being dependent on others (in case the operation fails) after the surgery. Instead, they are ready to suffer from the worsening pain throughout their life rather than getting cured with operation. But with modern surgical techniques, such health complications are extremely rare.
Image Source: Getty Images
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