What should you know about Slipped Discs?

Slipped discs are a common problem in the world today. Before you learn how to treat this ailment, it is important that you understand what it is. The spinal column consists of a series of bones, also known as vertebrae, stacked together. The column is essentially made up of seven bones, along with the cervical spine, 5 in the lumbar spine, 12 in the thoracic spine, with the sacrum and coccyx at the lowest. The bones are cushioned by discs that protect them by absorbing any shock from activities like jumping, lifting, twisting, and even walking.

Each of these discs consists of two separate parts, a tough outer ring, and a jellylike inner layer. Any weakness or injury can further make the inner portion protrude from the outer part. In medical terms, this is known as a herniated, prolapsed, or slipped disc. Such an ailment can cause discomfort and pain, further hindering your daily activities. In severe cases, the slipped disc can pressure on a spinal nerve, and you might experience excruciating pain or numbness along the nerve.

What are some symptoms of Slipped discs?

A slipped disc can occur anywhere from your neck to the lower back. However, the lower back is one of, the more common areas for slipped discs. While you are getting treated for slipped discs, you should not undergo any other medical processes, for instance, getting the H1N1 swine flu vaccine. Some symptoms of slipped discs might include:

• Numbness or pain on one side of the body
• Pain that will worsen at night or with specific movements
• Pain while walking, even short distances
• Random muscle weakness
• Pain that might extend to your legs or arms
• Aching, burning, or tingling sensations in a particular area

Although these are some of the most common symptoms of slipped disc, the pain can vary from patient to patient. You should immediately see a doctor for slip disc treatment if there is lingering pain, resulting in tingling sensations or numbness.

How can you reduce and prevent slipped discs?

While the most common slip disc treatment is surgery, but there are less intrusive methods like physiotherapy that can help. Physiotherapy is a conservative method of exercising the affected joints and helping your body attain optimal functionality along with helping faster recovery. Since in this program, the muscles surrounding the affected area stretch and get daily movement, it helps strengthen your back while also reducing the pain experienced. Along with this exercise program, your physical therapist will also ask you to avoid painful positions or lifting heavyweights.

While looking for physical therapists, you must choose a health care facility that can help you with other problems, for instance, the H1N1 swine flu vaccine. This way, you do not have to visit different healthcare facilities for different purposes, but also, the overall costs of the treatment will be significantly lesser.

Rest assured, with physical therapy; you can easily achieve the optimal functioning of your body and not have to worry about the problem showing up again in the future.