SLIPPED DISC / SCIATICA
OVERVIEW
What adult has not complained of an aching back at one time or another? How many people have experienced the sudden pain of "throwing one's back out?" In most instances, back pain is simply the result of unusual exertion, fatigue or a twist or sharp movement, but in some cases, there has been an injury to the spine and medical attention is required. One of the most common injuries to the spine is a slipped, or herniated, disc. This condition can be extremely painful, and may damage surrounding muscle and nerve systems.
WHAT IS A DISC?
A disc is a small mass of elastic, gristle-like tissue. Located between each vertebra in the spinal column, discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones. Thick ligaments attached to the vertebrae hold the pulpy disc material in place.
WHAT IS A SLIPPED DISC?
When some of the disc material pops out of place and bulges into the spinal canal, this is also known as a herniated or ruptured disc.
WHY DO DISCS HERNIATE?
Occasionally, a single excessive strain may cause a slipped disc. However, disc material degenerates naturally as we age, and the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken. As this degeneration progresses, a relatively minor strain or twisting movement can cause a disc to pop out of place.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SLIPPED DISC?
Extreme, sudden pain is usually the first symptom. Since most herniations involve the bottom two discs in the spinal column, the pain usually begins in the lower back. The bulging disc in this location exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve, and sharp pain may follow that nerve all the way down the leg and into the foot. Pressure on this nerve may eventually cause numbness or a "pins and needles" sensation.
HOW IS A SLIPPED DISC DIAGNOSED?
A number of tests are used to make a precise diagnosis and to pinpoint the site of the herniation, such as x-rays, myelography, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR A SLIPPED DISC?
Most slipped discs respond well to conservative treatment, and a carefully designed exercise program to strengthen the surrounding muscles. In some cases, however, the pain is severe and intractable; there may even be nerve damage. In these instances, decreasing disc pressure by Laser Assisted Disc Decompression (LADD) may be the answer. When the disc is decompressed, the pressure on the nerve is released, and this may rapidly relieve pain and permit restoration of lost muscle function.