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Slipped Disc / Herniated Disc

What are the causes of Herniated disk?

The most common cause of herniated disks is aging-related wear and tear. Sometimes lifting heavy weights using back muscles or twisting and turning while lifting can also cause a herniated disk.  Some of the cause and risk factors for herniated disk include –

Excess body weight
An occupation that includes long sitting or lifting heavy objects.
Genetics
Smoking can cause a decrease in oxygen supply which can lead to the weakening of disks
What are the signs, symptoms, and complications of slipped disk?

Lower back is the most common area to get the herniated disk, though it can happen anywhere in the spine. Some of the most common symptoms include –

Lowe back is the most common area to get the herniated disk, though it can happen anywhere in the spine. Some of the most common symptoms include – 

Arm or leg pain
Numbness or tingling in back or limbs
Weakness affecting the ability to lift or hold items

In rare cases, the entire spinal canal can be compressed because of disk herniation which can cause permanent damage or paralysis and may require immediate surgery.

What diagnosis of slipped disk is performed?

For diagnosis of a herniated disk, the healthcare provider will carry out an examination based on symptoms, checking muscles and nerves all over the body. X-Ray, Computer Tomography (CT) scan, and MRI to find where nerves may be compressed. Some other tests like Myelography, Electromyography (EMG), nerve function test, or nerve conduction study (NCS) may also be needed to establish the diagnosis and find the affected area.

What are the different slipped disk treatments available?

In most cases, the pain eases in time. The healthcare provider may suggest rest for up to three days, take a pain reliever, and apply heat or ice to the affected area. In serious cases where initial treatment doesn’t work, patients may be suggested physical therapy or spinal injections. In severe cases where herniated disk might be putting pressure on the spinal canal, emergency surgery may be carried out. In non-emergency cases, if other treatments fail, surgery may be needed to decompress the spine.

Various surgeries available are

  1. Open Spinal Laminectomy and Discectomy
  2. Micro-Lumbar Discectomy
  3. Endoscopic Spinal discectomy

Dr Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and Spine specialists for doing Minimal Invasive/ Access spine surgery and Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your Slip Disc Surgery.