Slipped Disc

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.

Factors That Can Increase Your Risk Of a Slipped Disc Include:

• Weight:Excess body weight puts extra stress on the discs in your lower back which can trigger the inner softer part of the disc to protrude out.
• Occupation:People who require repetitive lifting at work, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting are at greater risk.
• Genetics:It can be hereditary. If someone in your family has had slipped disc problem, then your risk may increase.
• Smoking: As smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disk, it causes it to break down more quickly.

Symptoms:

1. Pain and numbness, most commonly on one side of the body
2. Pain that extends to your arms or legs
3. Pain that worsens at night or with certain movements
4. Pain that worsens after standing or sitting
5. Pain when walking short distances
6. Unexplained muscle weakness
7. Tingling, aching, or burning sensations in the affected area

 Non-Surgical Treatment of Slipped Disc at Painex Pune:

1. Exercise and Movement: Keep performing your regular activities. Also perform exercises regularly. Ask your doctor for exercises which you can perform daily.
2. Medication: Your pain specialists may recommend to take certain painkillers and neuromodulators for severe pain. Medication like Paracetamol, Anti-inflammatory painkillers, opioids can be given to reduce pain. A muscle relaxant drugs is sometimes prescribed for a few days if the back muscles become very tense and make the pain worse.
3. Spinal Injections: Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Interlaminar Epidural Injections and Transforaminal injection are given into the opening at the side of the spine where the nerve roots exit. These injections reduce the inflammation and swelling of the spinal nerve roots and other tissues surrounding the spinal nerve root. It also reduces pain, tingling and numbness and other symptoms caused by such inflammation, irritation or swelling.
4. Radio frequency Ablation: Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is a technique used to reduce pain. In this procedure, a radio wave produces an electrical current, which heats up a small area of nerve tissue. This curbs pain signals from that specific area. It is very beneficial for people with chronic lower back and neck pain and pain related to the degeneration of joints from arthritis.

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.