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Slip disk xray1/4/2024 Patients with spinal pathology often present with a range of symptoms. This article aims to clarify the terms commonly used and its clinical implications in lumbar spinal imaging. Symptoms that could be of concern and mandate immediate attention are trouble going to the bathroom, weight loss, pain at night, or more pain or weakness than usual in your backbone.Multiple modalities are used with spinal imaging and with increasing access to magnetic resonance imaging and better imaging quality, primary care physicians are being exposed to nomenclature utilised by neuroradiologists and specialists in the field of spinal medicine. You may however need to discuss with your doctor on the need for surgery if the pain and numbness is persistent after 4 to 6 weeks. While you may feel better in about 4 weeks it could also take longer. Also, you may try using a heating pad on a low or medium setting, a warm shower, for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours, or an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.ĭon’t worry as your chances of getting better once diagnosed with slipped disc are fairly good. Walking and other light activity may help in early recovery. Take note that although rest is necessary in acute pain, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can weaken your muscles and worsen your problems. Stretching of your spine by a doctor or a chiropractor, physical therapy and losing weight can also help. However, it is better for you to be active as soon as possible once you experience some pain relief as it would help you get better faster. You may need a painkiller shot in your backbone, if medicines don’t provide relief from pain. It may be advisable for you to take rest for 1 to2 days if the pain is severe. Your doctor will prescribe analgesics for pain relief. Surgical treatment is indicated if you have significant weakness in your lower limbs or a rapid progression of symptoms. Medicines such as analgesics, steroids, and muscle relaxants may be prescribed by your doctor. Physical therapy helps stabilize your muscle spine and reduces the risk of injury to the nerves and disc. Conservative treatment includes rest and avoiding activity that can aggravate the pain. You may develop symptoms of herniated disc even with a slight bulge of the disc if the space around your spinal cord and spinal nerves is narrow.Īfter checking the symptoms and performing the appropriate diagnostic test, the doctor will now suggest and perform one of the herniated disk treatments.Ī herniated disk is generally seen to get better with conservative treatment and surgery is not necessary in majority of the cases. You may develop a herniated disc if you sustain a fall or an accident involving the spine, or if there is repetitive strain on the spine. You are at an increased chance of getting slipped disc if you are in your 30’s or 40’s. Herniation of the discs in the part of your backbone between the bottom of your ribs and your hips called as your lumbar spine is most common. ![]() The inner part of your disc can push through the tear and press on the spinal nerves beside it. ![]() Also, as the disc becomes flatter, loses elasticity, and weakens with age, the outer part may tear. Once rupture happens, a portion of the disc pushes out of its normal boundary and is called as a herniated disc or simply a ruptured/ slipped disc. When there is reduction in the elasticity in your spinal discs they are highly prone to injury and can rupture. However, changes of disc wear and tear cannot be ruled out completely in the young.Ī herniated disc is one that slips out of place or ruptures. This deterioration in the disc makes it vulnerable to injury. It starts losing its elasticity as you age. ![]() ![]() When you are young, the disc is soft and elastic. They help to keep your vertebrae in place, act as shock absorbers, and help you to move your neck and backbone. There is a jelly like substance/ soft cushion in between each vertebra along the length of your spinal cord. Your backbone or spine is made up of 26 bones that are called as vertebrae.
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