Also known as Herniated Disc, Prolapsed Intervertebral disc (PIVD).
ABOUT THE DISEASE
The spine comprises of a series of individual bones called vertebrae that are placed one above the other to form the spinal column. Between each vertebrae of the spine exists a disk, these are flat, round cushioning pads called intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and cushion the spinal column.
A slip disc — also called a herniated disc or ruptured disc — occurs when pressure from the vertebrae above and below force causes a disk to shift from its normal alignment and place pressure on surrounding structures, such as the nerves, resulting in pain.
Herniated discs mostly occur in the lower part of the spine; however they can also occur in the cervical and thoracic spine. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of neck, back or leg pain (sciatica).
SYMPTOMS
- • Pain in the back, that often affects one side, might be like tingling, dull ache or pulsating pain, might be accompanied with numbness. Pain radiating to buttocks, leg and feet, is termed as Sciatica.
- • Pain which gets worse with movement, standing for long, sneezing, coughing, or straining.
- • Muscle spasms in the back.
- • Pain, numbness, or weakness affecting one arm or leg.
- • Loss of stool (bowel) or urine (bladder) function.
CAUSES
The disc rupture can happen either due to sudden trauma or accident (even while lifting a heavy object) or due to chronic factors like obesity, wrong posture of sitting or standing. Sometimes it can also be due to congenital factors (present at the time of birth) that affect the size of the lumbar spinal canal.
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- Spine CT Scan / MRI
- Nerve Conduction Velocity Study
- EMG
- Myelogram
TREATMENT METHODS
- Rest, sp. from any aggravating activities.
- Physiotherapy
- Traction
- Cervical collar/Back brace
- Medication: Painkillers like NSAIDS, Muscle relaxants, Spinal steroid injection.
- Surgery:
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Lumbar Canal Stenosis
Cervical Rib Syndrome
Cervical Spondylosis
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Spondylolisthesis
Sprain