What is Slip Disc?
Slip Disc
A herniated /slipped disc occurs if the entire or part of the disc of the spine is forced out of a weakened part. It exerts pressure on nearby nerves. Radiating and unbearable pain in back and leg indicates slip disc.
Causes
Vertebral discs may move out of place or break open due to injury or strain. Pressure on the spinal nerves can lead to pain, numbness and weakness. The lower back is the most common area for a slipped disc. The neck (cervical) discs are affected to some extent as well. The upper-to-mid-back (thoracic) disks are rarely involved.
Symptoms
- Mild tingling, dull ache, a burning or pulsating pain.
- Unbearable pain in few cases, numbness too.
- In lower back slipped disc there's a sharp pain in one part of the leg, hip, or buttocks and numbness in other parts.
- Pain /numbness on the back of the calf or sole of the foot is also seen.
- With a neck slipped disc, there's pain while moving the neck, deep pain near or over the shoulder blade or on moving upper arm, forearm or (rarely) fingers along with numbness in the shoulder, elbow, forearm and fingers.
- The pain is felt gradually but may get worse after standing or sitting or at night on sneezing, coughing or laughing.
- Pain is also felt while bending backwards or walking a couple of yards.
