What is a slipped? Well, also known as a herniated disc is a pretty normally occurring condition that really can be quite painful and hampering. People are also known to refer to it as a disc prolapse. It usually does when manifested completely, leading to excruciating pain, numbness, or weakness in the extremities of the body. However, some people experience no pain, particularly if the disk is not pressing against the nerves of the spine. Mild symptoms will usually subside after a week or 2 but in the case that it worsens, surgery may have to be done.
A herniated disk can occur to anyone and at any age group, but particularly in middle-aged men who are involved in strenuous work such as construction workers. Other such factors that may increase the likelihood of succumbing to this disease include being morbidly obese as this actually puts much more added stress on the lower back. Other than that, A person might genetically inherit the genes which actually make them more susceptible to getting herniated disks.
As I mentioned earlier, people with physically demanding jobs or hobbies that may involve pushing, pulling, or twisting are more likely to get herniated disks. Any repetitive activities that add additional strain to your back can cause your disk to slip. Even in the gym, unsafe lifting techniques can cause this: People should use their legs to push up when lifting instead of their backs when lifting heavy items such as gym weights. Incorrect technique can lead to a herniated disk.
In many cases, a person will have no symptoms and might not even realize that they have a slipped disk. If symptoms occur, it is probably because the nerves in their spine are being surrounded by pressure from external sources. Common symptoms of this condition can include:
- Numbness and a tingling sensation. This occurs in the region of the spine that is being pressured upon.
- Weakness in the back. This happens to the muscles surrounding the nerve that is being affected.
- Pain: This occurs in the spine and may even spread to the arms and legs if it gets out of control.
If the herniated disk is in the lower posterior or ‘back’, the pain can often affect the person’s buttocks, making activities like sitting down and laying painful or uncomfortable.
For treatment methods, the best thing a person that is prone to this condition can do is avoid doing strenuous exercise or adding pressure to their back as that is what will trigger pain; and following the exercise and pain medication regimens that a doctor has recommended. Drugs for the pain may include gabapentin, duloxetine, these are proven to work. If classic medication does not help in relieving the discomfort, with a doctor’s prescription and with responsibility, you may be able to use narcotics such as codeine, a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, or another type of narcotic-like medical marijuana. This is usually in extremely severe cases where the pain is unbearable. Chiropractors can help find positions and exercises that minimize herniated disk pain.
Chiropractors may also recommend:
- treatment of hot or cold pack
- ultrasound, which basically uses the sound waves to stimulate the region and stimulate better blood circulation traction, which can alleviate pressure on the region.
- exercises for slipped discs
short-term bracing for the neck, back, or lower back depending on the area, to aid in providing support during the recovery phase. A medical cushion could be used if the buttocks area is affected.