Slipped disc is a common problem, which affect approximately 1 per cent of the population at any given time. It usually affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years. It is more common in males and frequently occurs in people whose occupation Involves frequent bending and lifting.
The disc is cushion-like material between the numerous small bones of the spine column called vertebrae.This gelatinous material is enclosed in a fibrous capsule. Any tear in this capsule predisposes to prolapse of the disc. Prolapse of the disc causes compression of the nerve that lies very close to It . This problem is more common in the lower portion of the spine called lumbar spine.
The slipped disc typically causes low back pain, which travels to the buttock and further down to the back of the thigh and calf muscles. This leg pain is also called as Sciatica because It radiates along with the distrlbution of the sciatic nerve. Th is pain increases on sneezing or straining, walking, etc.Pain may be accompanied by numbness or weakness in leg muscles and in severe situations bladder and bowel disturbances.
Slipped disc, Is not the only cause of backache/leg pain but many other diseases can cause it like a spinal tumor,Infection. T.B, cancer spreading to spine, osteoporosis,arthritis, spinal stenosis factures congenital diseases etc.
We should not forget that even abdominal tumors and infections can also cause backache and leg pain and numbness.The known factor causing backache are lack of exercises and physical fitness.bad posture. smoking, heaving lifting, bending, twisting, prolonged
sitting. anxiety,depression,various games like gymnastics, tennis,football,etc. and genetic.
In recent years, MRI scanning Is becoming available more easily and Is the preferred diagnostic test for spi nal problems MRI scan can clearly show the site and amount of disc prolapse and the nerve compression. Majority of patients respond to the non-surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment is given In the form of bed rest.medicines to reduce pain and swelling.
Physiotherapy is gradually started. Surgery is required in 10 20 per cent of patients whose pain persists after conservative treatment or who have paralysis or bladder and bowel dysfunction from the beginning.
Now a day, the operation for the slipped disc can be performed through a tiny (about 1.5 ems) incislon in the back with the help of an endoscope. Patients can go back home m 12-24 hrs and patients are usually very comfortable after the operation and they can start walking or going lo the loilet the same day They can go back to their work in a few days.
Generally, people are very scared of spinal surgery because of the risk of getting paralysed, bedridden or dependent after the operation. They would prefer to suffer rather than getting themselves operated and cured.But with modern surgical techniques. such complications are extremely rare.
The human spine is made up of 33 bones calls vertebrae and between every two bones is a soft rubber like a disc.which is jelly-like in the centre and acts as a shock absorber for the spine also gives flexibility to the spine. In the centre of the spine runs a canal which contains the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is a big nerve coming from the brain and its branches go into hand and legs. These nerves get compressed when the disk slips back into the spinal canal and the problem of backache and leg pain starts. Beside slip disc other lesions can also press the nerves and cause similar symptoms like tumors. infections. deformities etc. hence proper diagnosis is essential for the treatment.
Dr.Satnam Singh Chhabra
( The author Is the Chairman of Neuro & Spine Department,Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi )
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