What is a Slipped Disc?
Between each vertebra in the spine sits an intervertebral disc – a soft, gel-like cushion that acts as a shock absorber. A herniated (slipped) disc occurs when the soft inner material (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a crack in the outer disc wall and can press on nearby nerves. This is a very common cause of back and leg pain. Specialists at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi provide expert disc herniation management.
Most Common Locations
- Lumbar (Lower Back): L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels – most common, causes leg pain (sciatica)
- Cervical (Neck): C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels – causes arm pain and numbness
- Thoracic (Mid-Back): Rare, can cause chest wall pain or weakness
Causes
- Age-related disc degeneration
- Improper lifting (bending and twisting)
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Repetitive bending or twisting occupations
- Trauma or fall
Symptoms
- Back or neck pain at the affected level
- Pain radiating to arm (cervical) or leg (lumbar)
- Numbness and tingling in the limb
- Muscle weakness in affected limb
- In severe cases: loss of bladder/bowel control (emergency)
Diagnosis
MRI scan is the investigation of choice. CT scan or myelogram if MRI contraindicated. Nerve conduction studies to assess nerve damage.
Treatment
Conservative Treatment
- Short rest followed by early mobilisation
- NSAIDs and muscle relaxants
- Nerve pain medications
- Physiotherapy – specific directional exercises
- Epidural steroid injections
Surgical Treatment
- Microdiscectomy: Minimally invasive removal of herniated disc fragment – 90% success rate
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): For cervical disc herniation
Expert disc herniation treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
