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Discs are protective shock-absorbing pads located between the vertebrae (or bones) of the spine. When these discs split or rupture, the result is a condition known as a disc herniation, which is sometimes referred to as a slipped disc. Discs can split or rupture at the cervical (or neck) region of the spine, the thoracic (or middle of the back) region of the spine, and at the lumbar (or low back) region of the spine. Regardless of the location of injury or trauma, slipped discs can result in very specific symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of a Slipped Disc
The most common symptom of a slipped disc is moderate to severe neck or low back pain and is due to the leakage of a gel (or jellylike substance) into the surrounding tissue, placing pressure on the spinal cord or on a single nerve fiber. Slipped discs in the neck often result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the shoulder, neck, arm, or hand. Slipped discs in the lower back typically produce numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the buttocks, back, legs, or feet. Slipped discs in the lower back are also known to cause other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling around the anus or genitals, and difficulty controlling bowel movements or bladder function.
Diagnosis of a Slipped Disc
In order to reach an accurate slipped disc diagnosis, your physician will start by asking you questions pertaining to your medical history and will perform a complete physical examination. Imaging studies may be done and include X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, or myelograms, and, in some cases, bone scans. If necessary, your physician may order a series of laboratory blood or urine tests.
Slipped Disc Treatment
Minor cases may improve with at home, self-care treatment in consultation with your physician. Such self-care can include applying hot or cold packs, limited activity, basic pain relievers, and stretching/strengthening exercises. Extreme cases may require prescription medications, physical therapy and referral to a pain management specialist for possible injections. For patients who fail non surgical treatment, surgical intervention may yield good to excellent results. There are a number of neck and back surgical options to consider, but your physician will discuss which option is best for you and your condition. |
