The term ‘disc’ is short for the ‘intervertebral discs’, the spongy cushions that separate the block-like bones (vertebrae) of the spine. These discs have a number of important functions including shock absorption, keeping the vertebral column stable and giving the vertebrae ‘pivot points’ to allow movement.
1. Back pain
2. Pain radiating down the legs
3. Worsening pain associated with bending over or sitting down for a long time
4. Worsening pain associated with activities like coughing or sneezing
5. Numbness or pins-and-needles in an arm or leg.
1. Obesity
2. Poor muscle tone
3. Lack of regular exercise
4. Cigarette smoking
5. Advancing age
6. Poor posture
7. Incorrect lifting techniques.
1. Degenerative disc disease
2. Ruptured disc ( Slipped disc)
3. Sciatica
1. Taking a medical history (to determine risk factors and predisposing conditions)
2. A physical examination.
3. X-ray of Spine
4. MRI of Spine
1. Heat treatment
2. An exercise program designed to improve strength and flexibility
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids
4. Pain-relieving medication
5. An injection of anti-inflammatory steroids into the region of the disc
6. Uncommonly, in severe cases of ruptured disc, an operation may be needed to trim the protruding bulge (laminectomy)
7. Also uncommonly, in severe cases of degenerative disc disease, an operation may be needed to remove the disc and fuse together the two vertebrae on either side.
1. Muscular pain
2. Fracture
3. Malignancy