Is a Slip Disc Curable?

What is a slipped disc?

The loss of shape or disfigurement of an intervertebral disc of the spine is a slipped disc. A slipped disc is often intermittently called a herniated disc, ruptured or torn disc, bulging or protruding disc.

In a slipped disc situation, the soft cushion of tissues lying between the spinal bones gets pushed out of alignment. When this alignment presses the underlying nerves, it puts tremendous pressure on the muscles and nerves around the disc, resulting in excruciating pain. The pain tends to reduce over time with a combination of rest, pain medication, and gentle exercises.

Causes of Slip Discs:

Slipped or a sudden trauma causes herniated discs to the disc caused by repeated incorrect posture, lifting a heavy load or an object incorrectly, or the case of a whiplash injury. Another reason that brings about the occurrence of a slipped disc is the process of aging which results in the natural degeneration and deterioration of the disc or the muscles supporting the disc. Obesity or excessive weight is another cause of a slipped disc as the discs have to support this excessive weight which, if unchecked, brings about a slipped or herniated disc.

Lowering the risks of contracting a slipped disc:

Preventing a slipped disc may not be possible, but taking a few precautions mentioned below can bring down the risk of getting a herniated or slipped disc and is often the best treatment for a slip disc. They are:

• Protect your back: When lifting heavy objects, it is advised to lift using the muscles in the legs as the primary muscles instead of the back. Also, it is essential to take the pressure of the lower back by not leaning forward and bending the knees, and squatting to lift the object.
• Essential to use correct posture: It is vital to maintain a good posture while walking; shoulders down and back, chest out, belly in and chin back. All this will go a long way in supporting the lower back region.
• Exercise: Exercising regularly will help keep the body and muscles strong, giving the body more stability.
• Watch your weight: Watching what you eat and when you eat will help maintain a proper body weight which will take the load of the lower back region and reduce the risk of a slipped disc.

Various kinds of treatment for a slipped disc:

When thinking about treatment for a slipped disc, the first thought that comes to anyone’s mind is to have it treated surgically, as that has been promoted for years on end as the most effective way to manage pain. However, in most cases, people suffering from pain in the lower back region should opt for non-invasive treatments like:

• Rest: A few days of rest is often the best treatment for a slip disc and will do wonders for the pain accompanying a slipped or herniated disc. While it is important to rest as much as possible, it is essential not to sit or stand for long stretches as this does more harm than good. Vital to slow down and control all physical activity, especially when bending forward or lifting objects.
• Exercise: Staying active is one of the best treatments for a slip disc because resting the body for more than a few days can weaken the muscle and further aggravate the problem. Light stretching, walking, and other light exercises can help effectively manage the pain and numbness of a slipped disc. However, if the pain is severe and gets progressively worse, consult a doctor or physiotherapist.
• Switching between a hot and cold compress: applying a cold or hot compress on the injured area is an effective way to manage the pain and stiffness. The cold compress helps reduce the swelling, which helps alleviate the pain, and the hot compress reduces the numbness and stiffness by increasing the flow of blood to the injured area.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Various over-the-counter pain medication that is readily available is also a quick solution to try and ease the pain and reduce the numbness.
• Alternative treatments: Alternative or manual forms of healing like Siddha have shown promising results and are lauded by many as the best treatment for a slip disc. Siddha, offered by Chakrasiddh at its centres in India and the UK, uses Marma or Massage Therapy to increase blood flow to the muscles in the affected region. This helps to lessen the pain and reduce the stiffness. Deep massage therapy also helps strengthen the muscles, bringing more stability to the lower back region and curing a patient of this severe condition.