Slipped Disc - A lifestyle problem

Disc problems have become so common these days and it would not be wrong to call it a lifestyle problem.

The symptoms of a damaged disc can vary according to its location and severity. They may include:

·         Back pain

• Pain radiating down the legs
• Worsening pain associated with bending over or sitting down for a long time
• Worsening pain associated with activities like coughing or sneezing
• Numbness or pins-and-needles in an arm or leg.  

Some people are more susceptible to disc problems than others. Risk factors may include:

• Obesity
• Poor muscle tone
• Lack of regular exercise
• Cigarette smoking
• Advancing age
• Poor posture
• Incorrect lifting techniques.

The majority of disc problems will resolve regardless of treatment. Bed rest is occasionally best for initial management of severe sciatica.  Some common treatments include:

• Heat treatment
• Regular massage
• An exercise program designed to improve strength and flexibility
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids
• Pain-relieving medication
• An injection of anti-inflammatory steroids into the region of the disc
• Uncommonly, in severe cases of ruptured disc, an operation may be needed to trim the protruding bulge (laminectomy)
• Also uncommonly, in severe cases of degenerative disc disease, an operation may be needed to remove the disc and fuse together the two vertebrae on either side.