Compressed Nerve And Pain: How To Deal With Sciatica?
The irritation experienced can be described as "pins and needles" like pain
We all have suffered a back pain at some point, and usually we tend to just ignore it or rest for a while to help ease the pain. But do you know that sudden and severe back pain could be the sign of quite a few more serious health conditions? Slipped disc is one such ailment. If not treated on time, this neurological disorder can lead to severe consequences like paralysis.
Our spinal discs are cushion-like organs located in between our spinal bones (vertebrae). Made up of a soft inner portion and a tough outer ring, these discs protect the vertebral bones by absorbing the shocks caused by daily activities like walking, running, lifting weights, so on and so forth. If these discs become weak or injured, the soft inner portion protrudes through the hard outer ring. Medically, this condition is known as a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disc. Apart from causing pain and discomfort, it may lead to the compression of spinal nerves. This, in turn, can result in numbness and pain of the affected nerve. Surgical intervention or repair of the slipped disc may be required in severe cases.
Starting from your neck to the lower back, a slipped disc can affect any part of your spine. However, your lower back is more vulnerable to this condition. The symptoms vary depending on the location of slipped disc and the severity of the condition.
Several factors can lead to slipped disc, the most common being age and obesity. People with excessive body weight have a higher risk of this condition as their disc has to bear the weight of those extra kilos. Also, with age, your spinal discs are more likely to get displaced as much of their protective content starts eroding. Your gender influences your chance of getting this condition too. Evidences suggest that it affects more women than men. Apart from these, the other reasons behind slipped disc could be weak muscles, lack of movement, lifting heavy weight and a strained back. Long hours of sitting can be a major culprit behind slipped disc.
Like any other health condition, slipped disc can be accompanied by various complications if left untreated. Here, we guide you on a few of them.
Permanent nerve damage: Though rare, slipped disc can cut off signals to certain nerves of your lower back and legs. Under such circumstances, you may lose control over your bowel and bladder movement.
Saddle anaesthesia: In this condition, compression of nerves caused by slipped disc may rob you of your sensation in inner thighs back of the leg and the area around your rectum.
Your neurologist will start with a physical examination to figure out the cause behind your symptoms. For this, he will look for the source of your pain and test your nerve and muscle strength. Your doctor may also ask you if moving or touching the affected area causes pain, and whether or not any activity increases it. Additionally, he is likely to enquire about your first symptom. If he suspects slipped disc after reviewing your condition and medical history, your doctor may suggest the following imaging tests:
There are many treatment options for this condition. Your physician will choose the appropriate one for you, based on the degree of disc displacement and the level of pain and discomfort you are experiencing.
If the condition isn’t severe, you will be cured with over-the-counter pain relievers, exercises and minor lifestyle measures. A physiotherapist may suggest stretches, back-strengthening workouts and low-impact activities like walking. Your doctor, on the other hand, may advise you to avoid lifting heavy objects and leaning forward. You also need to ensure correct posture while sitting. Avoid slouching if you are suffering from slipped disc. Leading a sedentary life can worsen your condition because lack of movement may result in muscle weakness and joint stiffness. Make sure that you keep moving through the day. Engage yourself in low-impact activities.
If all these don’t work, your may prescribe muscle relaxants, narcotics and drugs to relieve pain in the nerves.
You may need surgical intervention if the symptoms don’t disappear within six weeks and your muscular functions are affected. Through surgery, the affected part of the disc will be removed. It is known as microdiskectomy. In even more sever cases your damaged disc may need to be replaced with an artificial one. Your surgeon may also remove the disc and fuse your vertebral bones. This procedure, along with other methods like laminectomy and spinal fusion, will lend stability to your spine.
Small but significant lifestyle measures can reduce your risk of slipped disc. Here, we guide you on them:
The irritation experienced can be described as "pins and needles" like pain
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The irritation experienced can be described as "pins and needles" like pain
Sitting for extended periods can be as dangerous as smoking as far as your health is concerned. It can put you at risk of serious health disorders.
One of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the country, Apollo hospitals has launched Mazor robotic spine surgery system for patients requiring spinal operation.
Hiral Shah lists out 3 yoga postures to help you keep your spine in top shape.
When Tanushree Dhaundiyal suffered a slip disc while dancing, she thought she would have to give it up forever.
Is your spine giving troubling you? Here are treatment options you that can help provide you relief.
Dr Garima reveals how laptops and desktops can harm your spine
It is surprising how much we harm our spine every day!
Ozone-oxygen therapy more beneficial for slipped disc than surgery
Have back pain? Here are some everyday activities that could be a culprit.
Is a quick minimally invasive surgery, an option for slipped disc patients?
Slipped disc can be painful to deal with. Dr Isaac Mathai explains the condition in his book, 'Dr Mathai's guide for women'.
World Spine Day: Treatment options for slipped disc
Dr Amitabh Gupta tells us all about slipped disc which causes severe back pain.
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