Slipped Disc
Slipped Disc Overview
Two dozen small bones, called vertebrae, are stacked on top of one another to form a flexible canal that protects the spinal cord. Soft, rubbery discs between the vertebrae act as cushions and allow the spinal column to flex and bend. Each disc is comprised of an outer ring of cartilage, called the annulus, which surrounds the gel-like nucleus. When a portion of the nucleus pushes through a tiny tear in the cartilage, the slipped disc can put pressure on spinal nerves and may cause pain, weakness or numbness.
Symptoms
- A sharp, shooting pain that extends down the back of one leg if the herniated disc is along the lower back, or a sharp, shooting pain down one arm if the injured disc is in the neck
- Pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulder if the herniated disc is in your neck
- Tingling in one leg, the buttocks or one arm
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Burning pain in the neck, shoulders or arm
Risk Factors
- Age - Discs become less flexible and weaken as you grow older.
- Smoking increases your risk because it decreases oxygen levels in your blood, speeding the degeneration.
- Excessive weight
- Improper lifting
- Sedentary lifestyle
Reduce Your Risk of Slipped Disc
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine and discs
- Exercise regularly to slow aging-related degeneration of the discs and strengthen core muscles of the back and abdomen to help stabilize and support the spine
- Quit smoking
- Lift heavy objects properly—using the power in your legs to do most of the work
Tests and Screenings
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Myelogram
Slipped Disc Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing a herniated disc—also known as a “slipped disc”—is establishing a medical history. Your Wellstar physician will ask a series of questions that may include:
- Were you lifting, pushing or pulling anything at the time you first felt symptoms? Were you twisting your back?
- Do you have any pain that travels into your legs?
- Does coughing, sneezing or straining for a bowel movement worsen your leg pain?
- Do you feel any weakness or numbness in your legs?
The physical examination may include some simple tests, such as:
- Straight leg-raising test: You lie flat and your physician raises your affected leg.
- Cross straight leg-raising test: You lie flat and your physician raises your unaffected leg.
- Screening neurological examination that may include testing your reflexes, muscle strength and walking
The physician may order imaging tests such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis. Your physician may order a myelogram in which dye is injected into the spinal fluid and X-rays are taken.
Procedures
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Myelogram
Slipped Disc Treatment
Conservative treatment of a herniated disc, or slipped disc, is generally very effective. More than 90% of those with a slipped disc get relief from symptoms without surgery. Such treatments may include:
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Oral steroids
- Physical therapy that includes exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles
- Epidural steroid injection
Surgery may be a consideration if a conservative course of treatment doesn’t improve your symptoms after six to eight weeks.
Surgery
A microdiskectomy is a common surgery for relief from the symptoms of a herniated disc. The use of a surgical microscope allows for smaller incisions. The surgeon relieves pressure on the spinal nerves by removing the protruding portion of the disc. Patients who undergo a microdiskectomy typically go home that day.
Ongoing Care for Slipped Disc
A physical therapy program may be helpful following a microdiskectomy. A program of walking and flexibility exercises as well as core strengthening may be prescribed to assist with a full recovery.
Aquatic therapy is an option if you have medication conditions that might limit traditional exercise. Your Wellstar physician may refer you to one of the aquatic therapy programs at the Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar Windy Hill or Wellstar Physical Therapy locations.