Bones in spinal column are known as vertebrae, along with spinal cord and discs form the spinal column in our back. These are stacked onto each other and are cushioned by discs, small joints and ligaments.
Discs are capable of absorbing shocks from everyday functions like walking, bending, lifting, twisting etc.
The disc in your back is composed of a jelly inner part as well as a tough outer part. A slipped disc is caused when it loses its normal shape and consistency due to injury.
Because of that it will leak in the posterior column of spine compressing the spinal cord or roots.
Initial phase of spine disc prolapse is conservative management in the form of rest, medicines followed by exercises and physiotherapy. In cases where patients do not experience relief with conservative measures, spine doctors may recommend surgery.
If you are living in Chennai and seek urgent surgery solutions for your slipped disc problem, consult Dr Vignesh Pushparaj. He is one of the highly qualified and best spine surgeons in Chennai. He is also the most trusted disc replacement specialists in Chennai. Contact us today for more details!
Slipped Disc
A slipped disc is also referred to as herniated disc. It may also mean ruptured or bulged discs which are in the early stages of degeneration. The displaced herniated disc presses on the spinal nerve, spinal cord and leads to severe pain.
It is important to know that herniated disc is one of the most common causes of neck pain, back pain and radiating pain to our arms and legs in men and women. Slipped or herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine. However, it is commonly observed in the lower back or neck.
Herniated Disc Cause
There are three major causes of slipped discs. They are:
Ageing – The disc material becomes less dehydrated and naturally degenerates as you age. The ligaments that bind it in place also weaken. With progressive degeneration, disc rupture occurs.
Trivial Trauma – Poor posture while sitting for long periods, heavy lifting in case of sports and other physical activities, injuries and accidents can cause trauma, leading to slipped disc.
Obesity – Excessive weight can also cause a slipped disc.
If you experience any of the possible causes of slipped disc, seek the advice and help of spine surgery specialist in Chennai.
What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
Herniated disc emergency symptoms vary greatly depending on different factors like herniated disc position, the size of the herniated disc, whether it pressing on the nerve or not etc. Sometimes, the patient may experience pain in different parts like the arm, leg, neck or back while others may feel no pain in case of slipped disc and it may resolve on its own.
Some of the types of pain experienced in this condition are discussed:
- A herniated disc can cause mechanical compression of the nerve roots as they are located close to it, resulting in nerve pain(radiating pain in the arms or legs) and also arm and leg weakness.
- The slipped disc and the consequent leakage of inflammatory substances can cause chemical irritation of the nerve roots.
Symptoms of lumbar disc disease also include pins and needles in the arms or legs, weakness and limited activity and movement.
When Should You See a doctor?
You should immediately seek the help of top spine surgeons in Chennai if:
- Pain limits your daily activities
- Symptoms do not resolve after a few weeks
- Symptoms and pain gets worse
- Weakness in arms and legs
- Difficulty in bending, walking and moving
Slipped Disc Diagnosis
Spine doctors will conduct a physical exam, trying to understand the source of your pain. Additionally, the doctor will check your nerve function and muscle strength around the area affected. The mobility functions and severity of pain will be taken into account as well. A complete medical history will be assessed to ascertain the most probable cause of pain. For further clarity, the doctor may recommend tests to analyse the condition of bones and muscles present in the spine. This may include:
- MRI Scan
- X-Rays
- EMG and NCS Test
Slipped Disc Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment Options – The non-surgical treatment options for slipped disc includes traditional methods. First, your doctor may recommend minimal exercises and physical therapy for a few weeks. Further, medication may be provided for herniated disc treatment which is generally anti-inflammatory. Steroid injection is another option that is given to patients with a herniated disc. Therapy can sometimes help patients. This may include pelvic traction, massaging, ice and heat therapy, electrical muscle stimulation and core strengthening exercises.
Surgical Options – Once the non-surgical options do not provide adequate relief to the patients, surgical options may be recommended by top spine doctors in Chennai. Several factors like age, health and associated risks are considered before making the final decision. Discectomy is one of the most common surgery procedures suggested for herniated disc in the lumbar region.
Looking for the Best spine Surgery Doctor in Chennai?
If you are a resident of Chennai, looking for the best spine treatment and care, consult Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj. He is one of the top spine surgeon in Chennai who has successfully treated a large number of patients with spine disorders. For more details, contact us at any time.
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