What Is "Slip Disc"?

Pain due to degenerative disease of the spine is very common and a wide variety of terms are used to explain this condition, including slipped disc, disc prolapse, bulging disc, ruptured disc, compressed disc, herniated disc etc. These terms refer to situations in which the intervertebral disc displaces from its normal anatomical position and bulges out.

The backbone consists of 33 bony parts called vertebrae separated by an elastic and spongy (cartilaginous) disc like structures called intervertebral discs that lie between two vertebrae.

Various blood vessels and nerves pass through these vertebrae and an important structure called spinal cord is present in the tunnel.

The intervertebral disc consists of two parts, a tough outer part (annulus fibrosis) and a softer inner part or a nucleus (annulus pulposus). These discs are especially designed to work as a shock absorber.

What Causes Slip Disc?

The intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebrae undergo changes with increasing age. As a result of associated degeneration, the disc loses its ability to retain water. These changes are usually present without causing apparent pain but as the annulus fibrosis thins and radial slits appear in it, this allows the nucleus (annulus pulposus) to bulge and even to rupture through it, resulting in "slipped disc".

While this degeneration occurs with age, severe trauma may also cause a disc to herniate (bulge out). Some common causes include:

• A sudden fall or accident.
• Heavy weight lifting.
• Long term strain over the back.

What Are The Common Problems Experienced By A Patient With Slip Disc?

Depending on the region of the spine affected, a patient may experience some of the following problems:

Cervical Spine:

• Pain and stiffness in neck.
• Arm pain.
• Weakness and numbness in the arms.
• The feeling of pins and needles in the arms.
• Unsteadiness of gait.

Thoracic Spine:

• Back pain.
• Possible physical deformity of the spine.

Lumbar Spine:

• Pain in the lower back that may radiate to the buttocks and back of the thighs (sciatica).
• Problems in performing daily tasks like picking up things, sitting, walking, running and so on.
• Altered bowel or urinary bladder function.
• Weakness and numbness in one or both legs.
• Impotence and erectile dysfunction (in males).

The pain is often aggravated by work and relieved with rest. The backache will often improve but may last for a long time.

How Is Slip Disc Treated?

Standard treatment options for slipped disc include:

Non-Surgical Treatment:

• Physical therapy which includes a short period of bed rest.
• Analgesics for pain.
• Muscle relaxants.
• Application of heat and cold.
• Back exercises.
• Weight reduction.

Surgical Treatment:

• Surgery may be indicated depending on the duration and severity of the pain, physical signs, and the radiological findings.
• Partial removal of bone or discs may correct the impingement on the spinal cord.