Slipped or herniated disc happen in the spine from a tear in the outer ring causing the soft, center section of the disc to bulge. As a result of the tear, inflammation and pain may occur that can be treated with anti-inflammatories. Bulging, protruding and torn discs may receive the same treatment.
A herniated disc normally begins as a protruding disc and then advances to the herniated stage.
Common used terms for herniated discs include: prolapsed or ruptured disc and slipped disc. Similar terms that are connected include: protrusion and bulging disc, pinched nerves, sciatica, disc disease, black disc, disc degeneration and degenerative disc disease.
In general, the neck and lower back region are more likely to have herniations. Of the two, the lower back is more susceptible. Signs of the condition are pain in the toes, foot, buttocks, thighs, back and legs. Tingling, numbness or burning feelings may be felt in the legs, feet and hip region as well.
The thirties and forties is the time when most people are likely to suffer from herniated discs. The nucleus of the disc is still a soft substance that begins to dry during the out at later in life. When the nucleus dries out completely, the chances of this condition decrease significantly.
Cervical herniations occur in the neck and can cause pain in the neck, scapula, skull, shoulder girdle, hand, shoulder and arm.
Because of the stability of discs in the thoracic area, herniations are rare. The signs are very similar to that of back and neck herniations.
Having a job that requires prolonged sitting or lifting can cause this condition. Traumatic injury to the discs in the back is mostly caused by not lifting items correctly. Back fatigue or chronic pain is a sign of the normal wear and tear on the back that increases the likelihood of injuring a disc. Rounding of the spine causes an uneven distribution of pressure whereas a straight spine equalizes internal pressure.
Diagnosis of a herniated disc can be done by a doctor using the history, phyical exam and symptoms. Further testing may be needed to rule out other possibilities such as spondylolisthesis, tumors, degeneration, metastases and possible space-occupying lesions.
Procedures that may be used to rule out or confirm injury include x-ray, CAT scan, MRI, myelogram, and EMG/NCS.
Most of these conditions will heal by themselves within six weeks without surgery.
If the pain does not go away, anti-inflammatory prescriptions may be given. They should not be used for long term treatment. To give short term relief from pain, steroid shots may also be used in the affected area. Physical therapy may also be recommended in combination with other treatments.
Other treatment forms include: bed rest, physical and massage therapy, weight control and chiropractic care.
Surgery should be a last resort treatment.
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