A Complete Guide to Understand What is a Slipped Disc

Posted by Singapore Paincare Center on December 16th, 2020

If you suffer from chronic shoulder pain and back pain, it might mean you have a slipped disc. A slipped disc is a fairly common occurrence and often gets unnoticed unless severe pain starts. A slipped or herniated disc is an illness of the back. Our backbone is made of several discs that absorb the shock and give flexibility for the back's movement. They reduce pressure on the back and absorb shock waves. Each disc consists of two portions. One is the inner gelatin-like ring, and the other is the outer ring. When there is an injury or weakness, the inner portion may protrude through the outer ring, causing a herniated disc. It is known as a slipped or prolapsed disc in medical terms. A slipped disc causes immense pain and might compress a spinal nerve, causing numbness and pain and nerve tissue damage.

Symptoms of Slipped or Herniated Disc

One can have a slipped disc in any part of the back. It can start from the neck to the spine and lower end of the back. Usually, lower back slipped disc is more common. The main symptom is pain and numbness on one side of the body. It also includes pain that extends to the arms and the legs. The pain may worsen at night and specific body movement, making it difficult to walk, sit or sleep. You experience unwanted and unexpected muscle weakness, and you experience pain even after short walks. There is sudden tingling or burning sensation in the affected area, and you feel immense pain in that area. All these symptoms indicate that you must take slip disc treatment in Singapore to get rid of your painful condition.

Slip Disc Treatment Singapore

The methods for treating slipped discs include both conservative and surgical methods. The treatment depends on the diagnosis. The most critical point for the treatment is how much pain you are experiencing in the disc. Also, the doctor shall consider how much disc has dislocated from its position. For some people, a regulated exercise regime works to strengthen the disc and put the disc back into place with physiotherapy, but medications are the only choice for some people.

Medications for Slipped Discs

The primary medication for a slipped disc is pain relievers. The over-the-counter pain-relieving medicines reduce the pain and relieve the tingling and numbing sensations. If over-the-counter drugs don't improve your slipped disc, then then the doctor may prescribe other drugs. You shall be given muscle relaxers and pain medications, and if there is a nerve issue, then the doctor shall also prescribe nerve medications like gabapentin.

Surgery

The doctor may recommend surgery to remove the affected disc and treat your pain if your symptoms don't improve even after six weeks of rigorous treatment. The removal of the disc is called a microdiscectomy. Your doctor may replace your herniated disc with an artificial one or remove the disc and fuse your vertebrae in more severe cases to reduce pain and thoroughly treat your symptoms. This procedure, along with a laminectomy and spinal fusion, gives your spine the required stability and improves the body's movement.

Physiotherapy For Spine Problems

The treatment for shoulder pain in Singapore people rely on is physiotherapy and massage. Even acupuncture helps to relieve the pain and strengthen the muscles of the back to relieve slipped disc. Lifestyle changes should be done, and weight loss should be a priority, and a calcium-rich and balanced diet helps a lot with a slipped disc.