One of the most common back problems is a prolapsed or bulging intervertebral disc, which is normally called a “slipped disc.”
Intervertebral disc(IVD): The intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous cushion that serves as the primary joint between two adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column. It is composed of a central, soft, jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus and an outer, tough, rubbery layer known as the annulus fibrosus. The human spine contains 23 intervertebral discs (IVDs): 6 in the cervical region (neck), 12 in the thoracic region (middle back), and 5 in the lumbar region (lower back). These discs enhance spinal flexibility while maintaining strength. Additionally, they act as shock absorbers, reducing impact on the spine and preventing vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Let us know more about Slip disc treatment in Vizag from one of the best doctors at Amulya hospital.
What is a Slipped disc
A slipped disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus (the soft, jelly-like center of the disc) pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus (the tough, rubbery outer layer). This can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, discomfort, and restricted movement. Slipped discs are most commonly found in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine), causing symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. If left untreated, it can significantly impact daily activities. For those experiencing these symptoms, Slip Disc Treatment in Vizag at Amulya Hospital provides expert care and advanced treatment options to help relieve pain and restore spinal function.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms rely on where the disc herniation is and how much pressure is on the nerve root.
Pain: Most of the time, lumbar disc herniations cause pain that starts in the lower back and spreads to the buttocks, thighs, calves, and sometimes even the foot. When you have a cervical disc herniation, the pain generally starts behind your neck and goes down your shoulder, arm, and into your hand. When you cough, sneeze, or move into certain positions, the pain might shoot into your arm or leg. People often say that pain is sharp or burning.
Numbness and tingling: Along the path of the affected nerve root, patients may also feel numbness and/or tingling.
Weakness: Severe compression of the nerve roots can weaken the muscles they control, potentially leading to difficulty walking, stumbling, or trouble lifting and holding objects. This condition can significantly impact mobility and daily activities if left untreated.
A herniated disc may not cause any signs in many people.
Causes
Disc herniation is primarily caused by gradual, age-related wear and tear known as disc degeneration. As people grow older, their discs lose flexibility, making them more vulnerable to tears or ruptures, even from minor strains or twists.
Many people are unable to identify the exact cause of their herniated disc. In some cases, lifting heavy objects using the back muscles instead of the legs and thighs can contribute to disc herniation. Additionally, twisting or turning while lifting may also lead to this condition.
An accident, such as a fall or a blow to the back, is not always the cause of a slipped disc. In many cases, disc herniation occurs due to gradual wear and tear. If you’re experiencing severe back pain, seeking treatment at the best hospital for slip disc in Vizag can help you get the right diagnosis and care.
Risk factors
A herniated disc is more likely to happen if you have any of the following:
Weight: The discs in your lower back are put under more stress when you are overweight.
Occupation: Individuals whose jobs require a lot of physical effort are more likely to experience back issues. Overusing your back muscles by lifting, pulling, pushing, turning sideways, and twisting can also make you more likely to get a herniated disc.
Genetics: Some people are genetically more likely to get a herniated disc.
Smoking: It is thought that smoking cuts off discs’ oxygen intake, which makes them break down faster.
Frequent driving: Sitting for long amounts of time and the vibrations from a car engine can put stress on the spine.
Being sedentary: Herniated discs can be avoided by working out regularly.
Complications
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a very dangerous side effect of lumbar disc herniation, even though it doesn’t happen very often. It generally happens when a large disc bulges and puts pressure on the whole spinal canal in the lower back.This is what cauda equina syndrome looks like:
Anxiety and pain in the lower back and legs, sudden onset of extreme weakness in the legs, ankles, and feet, numbness in the feet, groin, or around the anus, and losing control of your bladder or bowels. This situation is an absolute emergency that needs surgery right away; if treatment isn’t started right away, the person could become permanently weak or paralysed.
Imaging tests
X-rays: Plain X-rays can’t find herniated discs, but they can rule out other possible causes of back pain, such as an illness, a tumour, a misaligned spine, or a broken bone.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
When looking for spinal problems, MRI is very sensitive and detailed. As a result of pinpointing the exact location of the herniated disc, MRI not only helps with correct diagnosis but also with planning surgery. Unlike CT scans, MRIs don’t expose you to radiation.
Natural history:
Disc herniations usually get better on their own. Several studies have shown that most people with an acute disc injury feel a lot better or no longer have any symptoms within 6 to 12 weeks, regardless of what treatment they get.This is used by many quacks and alternative medicine systems to make false claims.
Slip Disc Treatment
Rest
During the acute phase, complete rest is very helpful for relieving pain. However, you shouldn’t stay in bed and do nothing for more than two to four days. Patients can do things as long as they don’t cause too much pain after the acute phase is over. Activities should be changed so that people don’t have to move or do things that hurt. Long periods of rest can make back muscles weak and work against you.
Medications
Medications for disc herniation include are:
1. Analgesics & Anti-inflammatory Agents: Reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Neuropathic Drugs: Modify nerve signals to ease pain.
3. Muscle Relaxants: Calm down those spasms.
4. Steroids: Lessen the swelling around the nerve that is hurt.
Depending on the level of pain, the patient’s needs, and how they respond, one or more medications may be given.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help with pain and muscle stiffness. Spine mobility and flexibility are improved by gentle exercises and manual treatment. Targeted workouts make the muscles in your back and abdomen stronger, which gives you more support and stability. Physiotherapists also teach their patients how to stand or sit correctly, which takes pressure off the spine.
Spinal Injections (Selective Nerve Root Blocks)
When pain doesn’t get better with pills or when the pain is so bad that the person needs instant pain relief, these injections are suggested.
To reduce swelling and ease pain, a small amount of a long-lasting drug is injected into certain nerve roots. These treatments are done in an operating room with the help of an X-ray (fluoroscopy).
Spinal injections are generally a safe and effective treatment for pain relief. However, the duration of relief varies from person to person. For expert care, spinal injections treatment in Vizag at Amulya Hospital by Dr. Leela Prasad offers personalized solutions to help manage spinal pain effectively.
Surgery
Few people (less than 5%) with herniated discs need to have surgery. If treatments that don’t involve surgery don’t help after six to twelve weeks, surgery may be a choice. Especially if the pain is very bad and making it hard to do normal things. People who have severe weakness in their lower limbs should also have surgery. People who have cauda equina syndrome are the only ones who need emergency surgery. Most of the time, doctors can remove only the part of the disc that sticks out with little to no damage to the healthy tissues.Microdiscectomy and endoscopic discectomy have made it possible for people to go back to work in just a few days.These days, surgery to fix a compressed disc is very safe and works very well.
If you want to find the best spine specialist in Vizag or get professional help with slip disc treatment in Vizag. This guide will explain the problem and the best ways to treat it.
The Best Spine Specialist in Vizag—Why Choose Dr. Leela Prasad at Amulya Hospital?
Dr Leela Prasad from Amulya Hospital is one of the best and most skilled spine doctors in Vizag. He helps a lot of people with herniated discs, chronic back pain, and spinal problems, as well as slipped discs.
Why Choose Dr. Leela Prasad?
Expert in surgery and non-surgery: Offers customised care plans based on how bad the issue is.
Surgery only when necessary : Before surgery, the doctor makes sure that all non-surgical options have been explored.
Spine surgery with little incision: Advanced methods are used to make sure that recovery goes faster.
Complete Spine Care: Specialists in degenerative disc disease, slip discs, sciatica, and spine problems.
Focus on Patients: Our main goals are to reduce pain, help the patient heal completely, and improve their quality of life.
Amulya Hospital Features Modernity: A great spine surgery hospital in Vizag that gives great medical care.
If you’re experiencing ongoing back pain, sciatica, or signs of a slipped disc, consult Dr. Leela Prasad, best slip disc specialist in Vizag, at Amulya Hospital. His expertise in slip disc treatment in Vizag and personalized approach can help you regain a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Conclusion:
Slipping discs can be painful, but most people can get better without surgery if they get the proper evaluation and care. It is essential to talk to a skilled spine specialist in Vizag. Whether you need non-surgical treatment or expert surgical care. One of the best spine doctors in Vizag is Dr. Leela Prasad at Amulya Hospital. He treats herniated discs and other spinal problems very well.
Make an appointment with Dr. Leela Prasad today to treat slipped discs successfully in Vizag. It will be the first step towards a healthy spine and a pain-free life.