Slipped Disc: Types, Causes, Risk & Symptoms Explained

Slipped disc or herniated disc is a chronic condition where the person suffering might show no signs of pain. However, in some cases symptoms of slipped disc are felt like face numbness and weakness in their arm and leg.

Go through the following piece to learn about the risk factors, causes, symptoms, treatment and preventive measures for a slipped disc.

The human spinal column comprises a sequence of bones known as the vertebrae, arranged successively. A cushion protects these discs from damage while walking, jumping, twisting, and other such movements.

These cushions have a soft gelatinous consistency on the inside and have a tough outer ring. This phenomenon where the inner portion protrudes out from the outer ring is called a slipped disc. It is an injury in the spinal column, and can be a harrowing experience. Slipped disc causes severe and sudden pain in the lower back as it presses on the nerve roots.

If an individual notices these symptoms of slipped disc, he or she should immediately consult a doctor.

Often we see terms like bulging, herniated and ruptured discs used to explain slipped discs. However, these are nothing but different stages or types of slipped discs.

The different types of slipped disc are:

• Bulging Disc- In case of a bulging disc, the disc pushes out from its actual position and invades the spinal nerve's space. However, in this stage, the disc wall doesn't tear completely.
• Herniated / Slipped Disc- This step follows a bulging process, and here the inner gelatinous portion of the nucleus starts leaking through the wall.
• Ruptured Disc- Here, the nucleus pushes out from the wall, and the inner fluids flow out. This step is also called a sequestered disc.
• Degenerative Disc- The wear-and-tear of a spinal disc leads to this stage. It generally happens due to age or lack of bone density.
• Thinning Disc- In this case, the protective cushion collapses between two vertebrates. This can happen due to increased weight or age.

One can face slipped disc issues anywhere in the spine, starting from neck to lower back region. However, the lower back is the most common area where slipped discs occur.

Intricate blood vessels and nerves are present near the spinal column. A herniated disc can cause further pressure on the nerves and muscles around that place.

The symptoms of slipped disc include:

• Pain- People face localized pain on one side of their body in most cases. The pain can extend to arms and legs and spread to thighs and calf regions. Individuals often compare the pain to a burning sensation.One can feel pain while walking, sneezing and standing. They can also face troubles seating or turning sides on their bed.
• Numbness- Individuals can feel numbness and tingling sensation in the affected area. Furthermore, they can also feel burning and aching in that region.
• Weakness- The affected nerves weaken the muscles where they are situated. It causes weakness, and people often find it difficult to lift things or walk around without stumbling.

However, the severity of pain will vary from person to person, so it is best to see a medical practitioner before drawing any conclusions.

A herniated disc is often the effect of age-related wear and tear on the cushions. This phenomenon is called disc degeneration, and it happens because the water content in these discs reduces as people age. As a result, the cushion starts thinning and eventually causes slipped disc.

Furthermore, an inactive lifestyle increases the risk of slipped discs. An inactive lifestyle increases unhealthy weight, creating a host of problems for the discs. The cushion becomes incapable of supporting the spinal cords and starts thinning out because of pressure.

Moreover, lifting heavy items, twisting and turning causes pressure on one's lower back and the spinal cord. Also, traumatic events like falling from stairs and accidents can lead to slipped discs.

Numerous factors add up to the risk of developing slipped discs. The risk factors include:

• Age- People between the ages of 35 to 50 are highly susceptible to developing a herniated disc. However, past the age of 80, symptoms stop showing.
• Gender- According to a study, men are more likely to face a slipped disc than women.
• Occupation- If an individual's occupation involves any physically demanding task like heavy lifting, pushing and pulling, they can quickly develop a herniated disc.
• Driving- People who frequently drive are at risk because of all the vibrations coming from the engine. It puts pressure on the spine and leads to a lumbar slipped disc.
• Smoking- It reduces the oxygen supply to the cushions; as a result, they break down quickly.

The treatment for slipped disc can range from non-surgical to surgical. Following are the treatment procedures for slipped disc:

1. Non-surgical

This treatment method predominantly includes medication and therapy. Medical practitioners generally prescribe acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium if there is moderate pain. However, they can suggest some neuropathic drugs and muscle relaxers to target the pain in nerves and muscles. In some cases, prescription opioids are given, but there is a high chance of addiction to these medicines. Furthermore, cortisone injections are suggested when medicines fail to ease the pain.

In therapy, a physiotherapist generally helps a patient. They suggest exercises and guide the patient throughout the tenure of therapy.

Together with medication and therapy, one can easily treat a slipped disc.

2. Surgical

Surgery is suggested to a patient when medication and therapy fail. In most cases, the surgeons remove the protruding portion of the cushion. However, slipped discs are removed entirely in some rare cases. Here the surgeon will have to graft the bones with metal hardware.

3. Alternative

Individuals can take the help of alternative medicines like naturopathy, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment if they want to avoid surgery.

These are some standard treatments for slipped discs that people often resort to when they face discomfort.

It is impossible to prevent slipped discs completely. However, one can take a few steps to reduce getting one. The preventive measures are:

• One should maintain a healthy weight
• Individuals should incorporate safe bending techniques
• An individual should avoid sitting in one place for too long
• One can do exercises that strengthen their body muscles 

The slipped disc has become a common occurrence now as more and more people are leading a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, people cannot always prevent a slipped disc due to factors like age and genetics. It causes severe pain and discomfort. However, it is curable with proper medication and therapy.

If an individual faces persistent sharp pain and faces problems in walking, sleeping and sneezing, they should visit a doctor.

Moreover, individuals should consult a specialist if they feel any discomfort that travels to arms and legs and obstructs daily life activities.