SLIP DISC
Your spinal column is composed of a series of bones (vertebrae) built onto each other. From top to bottom, the column consists of seven 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. These bones are padded by discs. The discs defend the bones by absorbing the shocks from daily activities like walking, lifting, and twisting.
Each disc contains two parts: a soft, gelatinous inside portion and a hard outer ring. Hurt or weakness can result in the inner portion of the disc sticking out through the outer ring. This is called a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disc.
This results in pain and discomfort. If the slipped disc compresses one of your spinal nerves, you might also undergo numbness and pain along the stricken nerve. In severe cases, you may need surgery to remove or repair the slipped disc.
- pain and numbness, most usually on one side of the body
- aches and pains in your arms and legs
- pain that aggravates at night or with certain movements
- Standing or sitting causes pain that gets worse
- pain when walking brief distances
- Incomprehensible muscle weakness
- tingling, aching, or burning sensations in the stricken area
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Discograms
- Splint or cast. This keeps the broken bone in place at the time of healing.
- Medicine. Specific medicines can aid in easing pain.
- Traction. The muscles and tendons around the damaged bone are gently stretched to allow the bone ends to align and mend. It utilizes pulleys, strings, weights, and a metal frame connected over or on the bed.
- Surgery. Your child may require surgery to put specific types of broken bones back into place. At times the surgeon puts metal rods or pins inside the bone or outside the body to hold the bone pieces in place. This aids them to heal in the correct position.
- Use safe lifting methods: Bend and lift from your knees, not your waist.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Do not stay seated for long periods; get up and stretch periodically.
- Do exercises to fortify the muscles in your back, legs, and abdomen.