Disc Prolapsed : Risk and Treatment

Around 70% of adult suffers from back pain at some point of time. Disc prolapsed is one of the most common reasons for back pain. In most cases it occurs because of weak musculature. If the muscles of the back are weak, the pressure will fall on the vertebral discs. The discs have gel called Nucleus Pulposus inside them, when it slips out it puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, producing pain.

This problem occurs due to improper diet that lacks proteins, calcium and vitamin D, resulting in weak bones. One should get flexible and start taking regular brisk walks. Some changes should be made in the sitting habits as well to get rid of this problem.

One should also consult his/her doctor before hand so that it won’t turn into a serious problem.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing a prolapsed disc include:

·         A job involving lots of lifting.

·         A job involving lots of sitting (especially driving).

·         Weight-bearing sports (weightlifting, etc).

·         Smoking.

·         Being overweight (obesity).

·         Increasing age (a disc is more likely to develop a weakness with increasing age).

The treatments of a prolapsed disc:

      Exercise and keep going

·         Medication

·         Physical treatment

·         Surgery

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.

Back pain may hit you in monsoon.

Back pain in monsoon is very common among the people. The drop in barometric pressure and the increase in humidity pair with each other and cause back pain, migraines, swelling and stiffness. This is faced by 8 out of 10 people. Drink plenty of water and exercise daily. If the pain is getting worse, consult the spine specialist.

Our spine supports our whole body and performs many functions. So, it is vulnerable to many injuries in our daily life. Other than the humidity and barometric pressure, there are many other causes of back pain:- an injury can be caused by lifting something heavy, falling down, infection etc.

Anyone can experience the back pain but the risk factors increased for the people who are having poor fitness, obesity, smoke, past back problems etc.