What is it?The shock-absorbing discs in the spine are made up of a strong outer fibrous coat that contains soft gel-like material. A prolapsed disc occurs when the gel-like material pushes out from between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). A herniated disc occurs when the outer coat ruptures. Pain is caused when the disc puts pressure on the surrounding nerves or spinal cord. A slipped disc is most common in the lower back, but it can also occur in the neck and upper back. It's most likely to occur between the ages of 25 and 45, and is slightly more common in men. What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may occur suddenly or build up gradually over a number of weeks
Symptoms may occur suddenly or build up gradually over a number of weeks. They may include difficulty moving, muscle spasm, aching pain and stiffness in the affected area. If the disc presses on a nerve, weakness, severe pain, numbness or tingling may occur in the leg (sciatica) or arm, depending on where in the spine the slipped disc has occurred. Impaired bowel or bladder function can indicate pressure on the spinal cord. If these symptoms arise, urgent medical advice is needed. What causes it?Incorrect lifting of objects and being overweight increase the risk of a slipped disc occurring. Therefore, keeping to an ideal weight, exercising the back muscles regularly and lifting objects correctly can help you avoid such an injury. What's the treatment?Treatment may include avoiding further stress on the back by modifying physical activities, painkillers, physiotherapy or osteopathy. Sometimes traction, anaesthetic injections or surgery is recommended. Advice and supportBackCareTel: 0845 130 2704 Website: www.backcare.org.uk
The Spinal FoundationTel: 01260 296346 Website: www.spinal-foundation.org
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2006.

Disclaimer
All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. See our Links Policy for more
information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
|
|