Everything About Slipped Disc Treatment

The other name for slipped disc is herniated disc and it happens when there is a rupture in the disc of the spine with the gel leaking out of it. This places great pressure and stress on surrounding nerves resulting in discomfort and pain in patients. There are many people who actually suffer from slipped discs but they are not even aware of this. A slipped disc is a condition when the disc tears or bulges out of its protective cover of connective tissues. Other names for this condition are bulging disc or ruptured disc. Based on location, the discomfort and pain will vary. Some of the most common signs of slipped disc are as follows:

• Numbness
• Pain in the legs and the arms
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Weakness
• Loss of the ability of performing fine motor skills
• Muscle spasms
• Abnormal sensation

All these symptoms are generally caused due to pressure on nerves from slipped disc and these can disturb signals from the brain to the other parts of the body.

Different Treatment Procedures for Slipped Disc

The discomfort and pain caused by slipped disc can very well be treated by knowing the cause that resulted in the condition. Some of the best procedures for slipped disc treatment are as follows:

Self Treatment

Home treatment such as cold and hot applications along with rest can help in relieving the discomfort and pain caused by slipped disc. Patients might also go for over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines along with pain killers such as Advil and Tylenol. There are certain simple exercises that can also help in relieving the pain caused due to slipped disc. Such exercises help in strengthening and stretching the back offering good relief. Massage and physiotherapy might also be of good help. These are some simple steps that can always help in healing slipped disc.

Lifestyle Changes

People who are overweight might also suffer from slipped disc. Excessive flesh around the waist might cause good strain and pressure on lumber spine which generally provides support to the entire upper body weight. When discs in the vertebrae are under great pressure, they tend to tear out while pressing against nerve roots. Uncontrolled habits of eating and lethargic lifestyle are the main causes of obesity. Having fruits and vegetables ion good quantities and practicing exercises on a regular basis along with positive thinking can help in reducing pressure and weight on the lower back.

Medications

If these do-it-yourself procedures fail to offer proper slipped disc treatment, the patients might take anti-inflammatory non-steroidal medications and narcotic pain killers. Along with these drugs, patients can also go for muscle relaxants.

Injections

In case oral medications do not offer relief, patients might need steroid injections in the lower back in the place of occurrence of the slipped disc. Steroid injections need to be taken every three months but only at the advice of a doctor.

Conclusion

Surgery is the last option for patients who go for slipped disc treatment.

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