When you experience back pain that shoots down your leg, and everyday activities become difficult or even intolerable don’t ignore it. You could be suffering from a slipped disc/herniation of the disc in your backbone. It is also advisable for you to see your doctor as the spinal nerves lie so close to the edge of the spinal discs and get compressed causing symptoms if not treated on time.
Wouldn’t life be much better when you can leave the tremendous burden of back pain behind you and live each day with optimism and good health? So get yourself evaluated and initiate timely preventive and corrective measures for your back.
Know your spine
Your spine or backbone is composed of 26 bones called vertebrae. There is a jelly-like substance/soft cushion in between every vertebra along your spinal cord’s length. These “spinal cushions” help to hold your spine in place, provide shock absorption, and aid in the movement of your neck and spine. When you’re young, your spinal discs are soft and flexible. However, as you age, the elasticity of your discs starts to decline, making them more prone to injury. However, changes in disc wear and tear cannot be ruled out completely in the young.
A herniated disc is the one that has slipped out of position or ruptured. When the elasticity of your spinal discs is reduced, they are more likely to rupture and cause injury. When a damaged disc ruptures, a part of it pushes out of the normal boundary of the disc and is called a herniation. A ruptured/susceptible disc is also called a slipped disc. As your discs become flatter, lose elasticity and become weaker as you age, they can tear. The outer part of the disc can tear and the inner part can push through this tear and push on your spinal nerves next to it. The most common type of herniation occurs between your ribs and hips called the lumbar spine.
If you’re in your 30s or 40s, you’re at a higher risk of getting a slipped disc. A slipped disc can happen if you fall or have an accident involving your spine. It can also happen if there is a lot of repetitive strain on your spine. You can also get herniated discs even with a small bulge in the disc if you have a narrow space around your spine and spinal nerves.
Compression effects
If you have a herniated disc, you may experience electric shock-like pain, tingling, and numbness, as well as weakness in the muscles that supply these nerves. The pain may be down your arms or your legs depending on the pressure of the spinal disc on the nerves. The intensity of the pain depends on the amount of the disc pressing on the nerves. If the pain spreads over your buttocks and goes down your back and into your calf affecting one or both legs, it is called sciatica.
The pain may get worse while you are active when you are coughing, sitting, sneezing, driving, and bending forward. If you rest for a while, change your position while standing, hold your hands up while sitting, and shift your weight from side to side, this may seem to provide some relief. However, if you experience symptoms such as problems with urination, abnormal bowel movements, or numbness around the genitals, please take serious note of the same and contact your doctor right away.
Treating disc herniation
Your doctor can diagnose if you have a disc herniation by performing a physical exam, testing your arm/legs for pain, checking your muscles for strength, and asking you about your reflexes.
Your doctor may also order an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help diagnose your disc herniation. However, it is important to note that you may have disc wear even in your 20s. Signs of disc wear and ageing will also develop as you get older. Therefore, an MRI of your lumbar spine will usually show abnormalities. Therefore, your doctor will compare the abnormalities in the MRI to your symptoms and the results of the clinical examination before deciding on your treatment plan.
Conservative treatment of a herniated disc is generally successful and does not necessitate surgery in the majority of cases. This treatment involves rest and avoidance of activities that may exacerbate the discomfort. Physical therapy assists in stabilizing the muscle spine and minimizes the risk of nerve and disc damage. A physician may prescribe medications such as analgesics, steroids, or muscle relaxants. In cases of severe weakness in the lower extremities or a rapid exacerbation of symptoms, surgical treatment is indicated.
Your physician will prescribe analgesic medications to manage the pain. If the pain is intense, it may be appropriate to rest for one to two days. If the medicines do not provide relief from the pain, a painkiller injection may be necessary in the spine. It is recommended to be active immediately after the pain is relieved, as it would help you get better faster. Additionally, stretching of the spine, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and weight loss can be beneficial.
It is important to remember that in acute pain, rest is essential, however, prolonged bed rest for more than one or two days can weaken the muscles and exacerbate the condition. Early recovery may be aided by walking and other light exercise. Additionally, it is recommended to use a heating pad on low or medium setting for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours, and a warm shower for 10-15 minutes every 2+ hours, as well as an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
The outlook for recovery from a slipped disc diagnosis is generally optimistic. Recovery may take approximately 4 weeks, however, it may take longer. If pain and numbness persist for 4 to 6 weeks, it may be necessary to consult with a physician to determine whether surgery is necessary. Symptoms that may be cause for concern and require immediate attention include difficulty in urinating, weight loss, discomfort at night, or increased pain or weakness in the spine.
Exercise can help
Exercise can be beneficial in alleviating pain. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a medical professional or a physical therapist to determine the appropriate and safe exercise regimen for your back. Additionally, it may be beneficial to wait until the back is no longer in acute pain and is feeling a little stronger before beginning an exercise program. Strengthening the back and abdominal muscles can be achieved by stretching and bending over the back and sides.
Maintain your posture
To reduce the pressure on the disc, it is important to maintain good posture. This can be achieved by standing up straight and sitting straight. Additionally, it is beneficial to bend the knees and hips when lifting objects, which will help to keep the back straight. When carrying an object, it is recommended to hold the object close to the body. Additionally, if standing for an extended period, one foot should be placed on a smaller stool or box. Similarly, when sitting for extended periods, one should place the feet on a smaller stool so that the knees are higher than the hips. It is recommended to avoid sleeping on your stomach. Last but not least refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes.
Protect your back!!
Disc problems are one of the primary scapegoats for many cases of unresolved back pain.
A herniation is seen to occur with wear and tear of the disc, as it loses its elasticity with advancing age. The intensity of symptoms depends on the level of disc herniation and severity of disc compression. While rest is necessary when you experience acute pain, staying in bed for more than 2 to 3 days can worsen your condition. Maintaining light activity and walking can help in early recovery. As medicines won’t cure a herniated disc, it is very important to do the prescribed back exercises correctly, to maximize their healing benefits and minimize the risk of additional injury.
