What is a slipped disc?

A slipped disc or disc herniation is another name for LUMBAR DISC PROLAPSE. When the nucleus pulposus presses on the annulus fibrosus owing to wear and tear or a sudden injury, the disc prolapses. The spinal disc is made up of two parts: the hard outer ring “annulus fibrosus” and the inside jelly-like “nucleus pulposus.” The disc acts as a stress absorber between the vertebrae to support the upper body and allow for a wide range of movement.

Causes are:

Wear and strain are caused by age. Aging causes the loss of some fluid that makes the disc flexible and spongy. That causes the disc to shrink and the space between the vertebrae to narrow. Excessive strain or pressure on the spine, A job that requires a lot of lifting, a job that requires a lot of sitting, weight-bearing activities (weightlifting, etc.), and other risk factors like as smoking, being overweight, and so on.

Symptoms of a slipped disc are:

• lower back ache, radiating pain up the leg,
• muscular weakness Muscle spasms,
• spinal deviation and paraesthesia are all symptoms of paralysis.
• In extreme cases, antalgic or Trendelenburg gait, as well as loss of bladder and bowel control, may be present.

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT OF A SLIPPED DISC INCLUDES:

Cryotherapy (it will reduce initial inflammation & muscle spasm), Thermal treatment (such as heating pads, hot compression, or moist heat), Therapy for spinal manipulation and mobilization, Traction technique/vertical traction in the water, Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), Massage treatment (it will help to ease back pain by increasing blood circulation, and relaxing the muscle). Aerobic activities, McKenzie method, flexibility exercises, spinal muscle strengthening exercises, core strengthening exercises, proprioception/coordination/balance exercises, and motor control exercises are all examples of exercises that may be done (MCEs), Dry needling, Cupping treatment Methods of treatment (such as-Short wave diathermy, Combo therapy & Phonophoresis).

Surgery may recommend if a person is in unbearable pain and unable to perform simple tasks.  Such as

• walking or standing,
• if a person is experiencing progressive neurological symptoms or deteriorating muscle weakness,
• loss of bladder and bowel control, and
• conservative treatment has yielded no significant results.

Surgery is typically the final option since it does not always produce the desired outcomes;