A slipped disc occurs when the outer ring becomes weak or torn and allows the inner portion to slip out. This can happen with age. Certain motions may also cause a slipped disc. A disc can slip out of place while you are twisting or turning to lift an object. Lifting a very large, heavy object can place great strain on the lower back, resulting in a slipped disc. If you have a very physically demanding job that requires a lot of lifting, you may be at increased risk for slipped discs.
Overweight individuals are also at increased risk for a slipped disc because their discs must support the additional weight. Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the development of a slipped disc.
As you get older, you are more likely to experience a slipped disc. This is because your discs begin to lose some of their protective water content as you age. As a result, they can slip more easily out of place. They are more common in men than women.
You can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine, from your neck to your lower back. The lower back is one of the more common areas for slipped discs. Your spinal column is an intricate network of nerves and blood vessels. A slipped disc can place extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it.
Symptoms of a slipped disc include:
The types of pain can vary from person to person. See your doctor if your pain results in numbness or tingling that affects your ability to control your muscles.
The human spine is made up of a series of vertebrae (bones) stacked over one another. There are total 7 bones in the cervical spine, 12 in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx at the base. A disc is present between every pair of bones which acts as a shock absorbent while performing daily activities like walking, lifting, and twisting.
Each disc has two parts: a soft, gelatinous inner portion and a tough outer ring. Slipped disc is a condition in which the inner portion of the disc protrudes through the outer ring. It is also known as herniated, or prolapsed disc. It causes pain and discomfort. If the slipped disc compresses one of your spinal nerves, you may also experience numbness and pain along the affected nerve. In severe instances, you may require surgery to remove or repair the slipped disc. People aged between 30 to 50 years are most likely to have slipped disc problem. It is more common in women than men.
The exact cause of herniated disc is not clear. It can happen due to weakness in the outer part of the affected disc. Also various activities like sneezing, awkward bending, or heavy lifting may trigger the inner softer part of the disc to protrude out through the weakened outer part of the disc.
As with any medical procedure, radio frequency ablation (RFA) is not appropriate for everyone. For example, radio frequency ablation is not recommended for people who have active infections or bleeding problems. Your doctor can tell you if you should not have an RFA.