Slipped Disk - Symptoms, Causes And Cautions

Spinal cord is one of the most important parts of the human body. It provides support to our upper body, helps us walk straight, and does much more than that. Today, at least 1 out of 8 people suffer from back problems and slipped disk conditions, which are extremely painful.

Slipped Disk
The spinal column is mainly made up of fused vertebrae and spinal disks. The latter ones are donut-shaped organs and have jelly-like substance encased by hard exterior. They are present between to adjacent vertebrae and act as shock-absorbent organs that protects the vertebrae from bumping into each other and prevent untimely wear and tear. In slipped disk condition, no disk actually slips from its place. It is a layman's term to describe the condition. A more appropriate term for slipped disk is ruptured disk. It is also called herniated or prolapsed disk. Under excessive pressure, a spinal disk may split or rupture and then, the jelly in it seeps out. This puts pressure on the surrounding tissues which can be spinal column or a nerve in the vicinity. It causes pain in the low back, hands and legs. Most often, this problem is observed in the low back area as well as in the neck (cervical). Sometimes, it causes what is called, referred pain in organs far away from the site of injury. Nerves, to different organs of the body, leave the spinal column at each of its levels. Because of this, the organs experiencing the referred pain depends on the location of the ruptured spinal disk.

Causes of Herniated Disk
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, a herniated disk (and any other back problem) is an outcome of improper posture assumed at the time of bending or a lifting heavyweight. In addition, any accident that might have caused direct or indirect pressure on the spinal column, frequent and improper turning and twisting of the back causing high pressure and strain on the spinal column and disks, etc., are the main causes of slipped disk problem. It is also associated with the age-related degeneration and loss of elasticity of the material of the spinal disks.

Symptoms of Ruptured Disk
There are many symptoms associated with this condition; the most prominent are:

• Slipped disk mainly affects nerves, which in turn causes pain in the back, neck or lower part of the body.
• Sometimes, a person suffering from prolapsed disk feels partial or complete numbness in the body parts that are above and below the affected area (in general, in the area controlled by that particular nerve). This, without medical intervention, slowly leads to a paralytic condition.
• In some cases, the lower part of the body becomes weak and it becomes almost impossible for the patient to stand on his/her feet.
• The individual suffering may also witness scratchy/itchy (tingling) feeling around the genitals.
• Along with the symptoms specified above, the individual may also experiences pain while doing any activity such as sneezing, coughing, walking, etc.
• This health condition may cause partial or regular unconsciousness in the sufferer.

Treatment for Slipped Disk
Although surgery does not guarantee maximum relief for the person suffering from a ruptured disk, doctors may suggest operation as a possible solution for this health condition after performing all the diagnostic tests. Along with the medications and surgery, exercising is one of the most effective ways to soothe this condition and help the individual in controlling the pain. In some cases where it is impossible to exercise or operate, the patient is advised to take complete bed rest. Periodic massage can also help in finding relief from the excruciating pain.

Prevention of Prolapsed Disk

• Know what is the proper posture to assume while lifting heavyweight. Try to keep your back straight and bend from the knees and hip area whenever possible.
• Try to avoid activities which might cause direct stress on the back, such as lifting weights, twisting and turning your back.
• If you are suffering from backache, consult a good physician and do regular exercises to soothe backache and strictly follow tips given above.
• Whenever possible, take a good massage.
• Exercise and take proper rest. It is very important if you spend your entire day running around for some work, or sitting on a chair in your office.
• Take regular breaks from any activity that demands you to stress your back.

Slipped disk! Well, it can happen to anyone at any time. In some cases, individuals do not observe symptoms or pain and are not required to respond to the situation by going under the knife. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of ruptured disk mentioned above, you should consult your physician. It is best to find out what you need to do, in order, to achieve fast relief from the pain caused by a herniated disk.