Understand what is a slipped disc this World Spine Day
Did you know that lower back pain is the second most common reason for visiting a general physician? A pain in the lower back, or neck, could be the result of factors such as bad posture, incorrect lifting of heavy objects, vitamin D3 or B12 deficiency, low bone density, excessive or incorrect exercise, and in some cases, even a slipped disc. People often assume that all lower back pain results from a slipped disc and that the only way to solve the issue is surgery. However, this is not true. Hence, on World Spine Day, observed on October 16, let us take a closer look at what a slipped disc is, and how it can be managed.
The spine is made up of 26 individual bones known as vertebrae. Lying between adjacent vertebrae is an intervertebral disc that acts as a cushion or shock absorber, providing support to the spine and making it flexible. As people grow older, these discs become less flexible and are subject to more wear and tear. This wear and tear, or an injury, can cause the disc to rupture and pressurise the adjacent nerves, which in turn causes pain. This condition is called a slipped or herniated disc.
In most cases, a slipped disc can be managed without any surgery and full recovery takes between three to four months. Doctors may prescribe medicines to ease the pain or relax muscle spasms. Patients are usually advised to rest if pain is unbearable. Once they are able to move around without discomfort, they are advised to avoid sitting for a long stretch of time. They need to be careful while bending forward or lifting objects and may be asked to exercise to strengthen the musculature of the spine and minimise pain. A few patients with a slipped disc would need surgery, which today, is often minimally invasive with the help of cutting-edge technology.
However, do not wait for a backache to remind you to take care of your spine. Instead, keep your core muscles strong, maintain good posture while sitting, walking and lifting heavy objects and stay within a healthy weight range to reduce the pressure on your spine. Remember, a healthy spine is your backbone for a healthy life.
This article is by Dr Ram
Chaddha MS (Orth), a renowned Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, who has pioneered MICOS (Minimally Invasive
Cosmetic Spine Surgery) in India. He currently practices
at Lilavati, Jaslok and Global Hospitals, Mumbai