Slipped Disc 2025 Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options in Turkey

Herniated disc Slipped Disc

Slipped Disc Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options in Turkey

What is a Slipped disc?

A Slipped disc is a spinal injury, where the spine contains a series of bones (vertebrae) extending from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Between the vertebrae are circular cushions called discs. The discs act as insulators between the bones, allowing you to bend and move easily. When one of these discs ruptures or leaks its contents, it is called a Slipped disc.

Is a Slipped disc a common disease?

About 2% of people develop a Slipped disc annually. Slipped discs are one of the main causes of neck and/or arm pain, and back and/or leg pain (sciatica). It can occur anywhere along the spine, but often occurs in the lower back or neck. It is rare for a Slipped disc to occur in the mid-back.

Who gets a Herniated Disc?

People between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to develop a Slipped disc. This problem affects men at twice the rate of women. Other risk factors include:

  • Sitting for long periods in the same position.
  • Being overweight.
  • Lifting heavy objects.
  • Repeated  bending or twisting movements at work, sports, or hobbies.

What are the symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

The symptoms of a Slipped disc vary depending on the location of the problem in the spine. Symptoms worsen with movement and improve with rest.

Slipped or slipped disc in the lower back (lumbar Herniated Disc)

A Slipped disc in the lower back commonly causes “sciatica” pain. This sharp pain often radiates from one side of the buttock down the leg and sometimes to the foot. Other symptoms of a Slipped disc in the lower back include:

  • Back pain.
  • Numbness or tingling in the legs and feet.
  • Muscle weakness.

Slipped or slipped disc in the neck (cervical Slipped disc)

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc in the neck include:

  • Pain near or between the shoulder blades.
  • Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, and sometimes the hand and fingers.
  • Neck pain, especially in the back and sides.
  • Pain that worsens with bending or moving the neck.
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms.

How is a Slipped disc diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will perform a comprehensive examination. During the physical exam, the provider will assess pain, neurological reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength. The provider may also request the following tests:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The most common and accurate test for detecting a Slipped disc.
  • X-rays: Help rule out other causes of back or neck pain.
  • Computed Tomography (CT): This test provides detailed images of the spine bones. Slipped discs may extend into the space around the spinal cord and nerves, causing compression.
  • Myelogram: Involves injecting a dye into the spine using X-ray guidance for a CT scan. The dye can reveal spinal canal narrowing (spinal stenosis) and the location of the Slipped disc.
  • Electromyography (EMG): This test involves inserting small needles into multiple muscles to evaluate nerve function. It helps identify the specific nerve affected by the Slipped disc.

What can I do at home to relieve the pain of a Herniated Disc?

In most cases, the pain from a Slipped disc goes away over time. To alleviate the pain while the disc heals, you can:

  • Rest for one to three days if the pain is severe, but it is important to avoid long periods of bed rest to prevent stiffness.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Apply ice or heat to the affected area.

Herniated disc Slipped Disc

When should you see a doctor?

Initially, you can treat the pain of a Slipped disc at home. However, you should see a doctor if:

  • The pain interferes with daily life, such as going to work.
  • Symptoms have not improved after four to six weeks.
  • Symptoms are worsening.
  • You experience problems with bladder or bowel control.
  • You notice numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
  • You have difficulty standing or walking.

What is the best treatment for a Herniated Disc?

You may need more advanced treatments if symptoms do not improve. A healthcare provider may recommend the following:

  • Medications: A provider may prescribe an anti-inflammatory pain reliever or a muscle relaxant.
  • Physical therapy: A physical therapist will teach you an exercise program to relieve pressure on the nerves. Exercises help relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation.
  • Spinal injections: Also called epidural injections or nerve blocks, these are injections of a steroid medication directly into the spine. The medication helps reduce swelling and inflammation caused by the Slipped disc. This will aid in the body’s recovery and return to activity more quickly.
  • Surgery: In rare cases, a large Slipped disc may cause damage to the nerves associated with the bladder or bowel. This may require emergency surgery. For non-emergency cases, surgery is an option when other treatments have failed. There are several methods to perform nerve decompression surgery, but the goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve.

Will I need spinal surgery?

Slipped discs often improve on their own over time or with non-surgical treatment in 9 out of 10 people. If other treatments do not alleviate symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend surgery. There are multiple surgical techniques to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, including:

  • Discectomy: to remove the Slipped disc.
  • Laminectomy: to remove part of the bone around the Slipped disc and widen the spinal canal.
  • Artificial disc replacement surgery: to replace the Slipped disc with an artificial disc.
  • Spinal fusion: to connect two or more vertebrae together to make the spine more stable.

How can I avoid a Herniated Disc?

It is not always possible to prevent a Slipped disc. However, you can reduce the risk by:

  • Using proper lifting techniques. Do not bend at the waist. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Use strong leg muscles to support the load.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight increases pressure on the lower back.
  • Practicing good posture. Learn how to improve your posture when walking, sitting, standing, and sleeping. Good posture reduces stress on the spine.
  • It is especially important to take stretch breaks if you sit for long periods.
  • Avoiding high-heeled shoes. This type of footwear affects the balance of the spine.
  • Exercising regularly. Focus on exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles to support the spine.
  • Quitting smoking. Smoking can weaken the discs, making them prone to rupture. Consider quitting smoking.

What is the outlook for people with a Herniated Disc?

For up to 90% of people, Slipped disc pain improves on its own or with simple medical care. You are likely to feel better within a month. If not, you should see a healthcare provider. Some people may need more advanced medical procedures, such as spinal injections or surgery.

 

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