slipped disc treatment

Slipped Disc Treatment

A slipped disc can exert extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it, and causes numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.

Slipped Disc - causes and symptoms

Common causes for slipped disc

Slipped disc It is mostly the result of gradual, ageing-related wear and tear. Nobody is able to exactly pinpoint the reason for the issue, however, it is caused overtime when the spinal disks lose some of their water content. This makes them less flexible and more prone to tearing.  

Sometimes, just using your back to lift heavy objects instead of your legs can also cause a slipped disc. In rare cases, injuries such as a fall or a blow to the back can also lead to slipped disc. 

Common symptoms of slipped disc

  • Intense pain in your back, buttocks, or calf muscles
  • Sometimes pain in the foot
  • Shoulder or arm pain if the slipped disc is in the neck region
  • Numbness or tingling sensation in the affected area
  • Weak muscles in the affected area that may lead you to stumble or cause an inability to lift objects

When to consult a doctor for a slipped disc?

  • Persistent low back or neck pain 
  • Loss of balance or motor skills
  • Numbness or loss of feeling in your limbs
  • If symptoms do not respond after weeks of conservative treatment
  • Pain interfering with day-to-day activities