What is a slipped disc? Know everything in detail

Do you have back pain? Do your legs suddenly become numb? Do you have neck pain and hands become numb? These can be symptoms of slipped disc.

According to a study published in 'Science Direct', about 1.3% of people in the world suffer from slipped disc at some point in their lives. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, about 2% of people in India suffer from slipped disc every year.

Our spine is made up of many small bones. These bones are connected in a chain from the head to the waist. There are soft cushion-like discs between these bones. These discs absorb shocks and keep the bones flexible. When they slip or burst, it is called a slipped disc. Sometimes its symptoms can be so bad that even walking can become difficult.

What is a slipped disc?

If a sharp blow occurs, the disc may slip or burst. It is also possible that a gel-like substance may come out of the disc, this is called a slipped disc or herniated disc.

How many types of slip disc are there?

There are many types of slipped discs-

1. Protrusion- When the outer part of the disc slips from its place but does not burst completely.
2. Extrusion- When the gel-like substance of the disc comes out from the surface, but still remains inside the disc.
3. Sequestration- When the inner jelly-like substance of the disc comes out completely and starts putting pressure on the spinal cord.
4. Bulging Disc- When the entire disc swells slightly, but does not burst.

Causes of slipped disc:

The problem of slipped disc is usually seen more after the age of 40 to 50 years. With increasing age, the discs present between the bones of the spine start weakening. Due to this, the risk of their rupture or slipping increases. However, this problem can also occur at a younger age.

These factors may be the reasons:

1. Due to a wrong lifestyle
2. Lifting too heavy weight.
3. Because of an injury.
4. Sitting in a wrong posture
5. Because of increasing weight
6. Because of smoking

What is the treatment for slipped disc?

For this, physiotherapy can be given along with pain medications. Apart from this, the doctor can suggest some exercises.

Medicines: Painkillers are given for mild pain and if this pain is felt in the nerves, then medicines like gabapentin can be given.

Physiotherapy: Pain can be reduced by exercise and massage.

Injection therapy: Steroid injections are given in severe cases.

Surgery: If the pain is still very severe even after treatment for about 6 weeks, then an operation can be done.

How to avoid slipped disc?

The more we keep moving and exercising, the healthier it will remain. If you are following a sedentary lifestyle or sitting in the same posture for a very long time, then there can be a problem of slip disc. To avoid this, follow these tips-

1. Do light exercises daily.
2. Sit and walk in the right posture, sit straight, do not walk bent.
3. Take a healthy diet and keep your weight under control.
4. Avoid sitting for long periods. Take breaks in between and take a walk.
5. Take support of the knees while lifting very heavy weights, do not put pressure on the back.