Slipped (Herniated) Disc: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Prevention

A slipped disc is also called a herniated or ruptured disc. It is among the most common problems of the spinal column. Herniated disc treatment is sought by people aged 35 to 55. The same people are at risk of developing a slipped disc.

The spinal column consists of 33 bones stacked on top of each other. To prevent the bones from grinding against each other, intervertebral discs are found between them. These discs have tough outer rings, but inside they are soft and gelatinous. In this post, we examine the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention of slipped discs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a slipped disc may vary from one person to another. Not only that, but the manifestation would depend as well on the extent of the injury. Sometimes, because symptoms may not be particular to a slipped disc, it is mistakenly attributed to sciatica.

The most common symptom of a slipped disc is pain, which may be experienced or worsened after prolonged standing or sitting, at night, when extending your legs or arms, and after walking even short distances. Moreover, numbness, pain, tingling, and burning may be experienced in the affected area.

Causes

A slipped, herniated, or ruptured disc happens when the outer ring of the disc weakens, and its inner portion protrudes or “slips” out of the disc. Different factors lead to the weakening of the disc’s outer ring. It could be due to ageing or the constant wear and tear of the discs. A disc could also herniate during a sudden or forceful movement of the spinal column. People who are overweight are also prone to a ruptured disc.

If you live a sedentary lifestyle, that could also be a contributing risk factor. Men are more prone to develop slipped discs than women. Physiotherapy clinics in Dubai can help identify the cause of your slipped disc and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatments

The first thing a medical practitioner does is to determine your condition. X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, discograms, and other diagnostic modalities may be used to identify a slipped disc accurately.

There are different ways to treat a herniated disc. However, one of the most effective treatment modalities available today is physiotherapy. Physiotherapists have the necessary knowledge, expertise, and experience to manage herniated discs. They can help provide immediate pain relief, prevent further injury, and assist the patient in recovering from the ailment.

Some of the most common physiotherapy techniques for treating a herniated disc include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercise. Moreover, they provide lower back pain treatment to improve your condition further.

Prevention

Everyone can develop a slipped disc. However, you can do something to reduce your risk. For one, you need to understand the cause of a slipped disc. Once you know the reason, you can then have a better idea of how to prevent this type of injury.

You should use proper body mechanics, such as bending your knees rather than your waist, when picking up and lifting items. Maintain an ideal weight through appropriate nutrition and exercise.

Need more help?

Having a herniated disc can be very painful. It can even prevent you from doing your activities of daily living. If you want to know how to prevent a slipped disc further, treat it or improve your overall wellness level, you will be happy to meet the people at Scandinavian Physiotherapy Center.

They offer effective physiotherapy services in Dubai that help manage, treat, and prevent slipped discs. In addition, they use other physiotherapy techniques to address your other needs. Give them a call today!