Have you got a Slipped Disc?

Pain from a slipped disc can initially be very severe and is often described as a deep, dull ache. This dull ache can move on to  involve stabbing pain, numbness, pins and needles and/or muscle weakness in the corresponding limb, be it arm or leg.

You have 23 discs in your spine and they are a common cause of back pain.

Pain from a slipped disc can initially be very severe and is often described as a deep, dull ache. This dull ache can move on to  involve stabbing pain, numbness, pins and needles and or muscle weakness in the corresponding limb, be it arm or legs.  These symptoms are often exacerbated by certain movements and positions, or by coughing and sneezing. In most cases the symptoms tend to settle over a few weeks with the help of reduced activities and chiropractic treatment. 

Symptoms will usually completely disappear if you follow the advice. However, it is very important that the patient is aware of the need to maintain good spinal health once the pain has settled down with a combination of prescribed exercises, stretches and further maintenance treatment, in order to reduce the risk of symptom reoccurrence and further disc prolapse.

It is important to add that in a minority of patients, symptoms do not improve and occasionally worsen, even after conservative treatments. In these cases the patient should be referred to a spinal consultant for further assessment, often involving and MRI scan, and advice on what treatment route is best for them. 

Every new practice member gets a thorough neurological examination and orthopeadic examination at the initial consultation so we know what we are dealing with and what the diagnosis is.

Surgery is usually a last resort, unless in a situation where a patient is displaying 'red flag' symptoms of worrying muscle weakness, numbness and tingling and/or bladder or bowel disturbances. If you have any of these symptoms you would be referred immediately to hospital for a consult with spinal surgeon for further investigations.