Slipped or Herniated Disc Treatment in Lahore

It is an injury of the spine. Spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked onto each other, stretching from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Vertebrae are cushioned by discs which protect them by absorbing the shocks from daily activities like walking, lifting, and twisting.

Each vertebral disc has two parts: a soft, gelatinous inner portion (nucleus pulposus) and a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus). When the fragment of the nucleus pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus, it is known as a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disc. If it compresses spinal nerves, it causes pain, discomfort and numbness.

Herniated discs most often occur in the lower back or the neck and are a leading cause of neck and/or arm, and back and/or leg pain (sciatica).

Symptoms:

  1. Lower back pain
  2. Numbness or tingling in  shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet
  3. Neck pain
  4. Problem in bending or straightening of back
  5. Muscle weakness
  6. Pain in the buttocks, hips or legs if the disc is pressing on the sciatic nerve (sciatica)

Causes:

  1. Aging
  2. Overweight
  3. Repetitive motions
  4. Sudden strain from improper lifting or twisting

Risk Factors:

  1. Aging (30 – 50 years)
  2. Prolonged sitting in the same position
  3. Being overweight
  4. Lifting heavy objects
  5. Repetitive bending or twisting motions
  6. Poor work ergonomics
  7. Being sedentary
  8. Smokingd

Management and Treatment:

Treatment of slipped or herniated disc can depend on the severity of the condition.

Conservative (Non-Surgical Treatment):

  1. NSAIDS
  2. Ice and heat therapy
  3. Physiotherapy – pelvic traction, gentle massage, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, stretching and strengthening exercises
  4. Muscle Relaxants
  5. Epidural Steroid (Spinal) Injection

Preventive Measures:

    1. Maintain good posture
    2. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
    3. Maintain a healthy weight
    4. Regular exercise to improve general fitness
    5. Strengthening of core muscles
    6. Lifting safely — bend your knees, not your back
    7. Protect yourself from falls
    8. Avoid Smoking
    9. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes