What is a disc? The disc is a part of the spine located between the vertebrae to absorb shocks and give the spine its flexibility and movement. It consists of an outer ring of fibers with a gelatinous substance inside
What is a slipped disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the gelatinous portion slides in and out across
Hernia in the fibrous part of the disc. This soft gelatinous part slips into the nerve canals and presses on parts of the nerves and thus leads to pain in the back, thigh and leg, which is known in the public as sciatica (the opening of the n)
What are the reasons that lead to a slipped disc?
There are many factors that may lead to a herniated disc, including incorrect postures when sitting, walking, and working, such as bending over, carrying weights in the wrong way, weight gain, or work that causes stress on the lower back.
What are the symptoms of slipped disc?
Herniated disc in the lumbar vertebrae leads to pain in the lower back that extends to the posterior side of the hip, thigh and leg, in addition to the possibility associated with that weakness in the muscles of the foot and leg or a change in sensation or loss of ability to control urine or stool.
How long is the diagnosis made?
. The diagnosis is made after examining the patient clinically and conducting specialized rays such as x-rays and magnetic resonance rays
How is the treatment of these cases?
The treatment is divided into two parts: conservative treatment and surgical treatment
Conservative treatment is successful in many patients and consists of rest for several days, the use of anti-arthritis medicines, pain medications, muscle-pathological drugs, and physical therapy. You should also avoid any habits or factors that lead to stress in the lower back
As for surgical treatment, it is used when conservative treatment fails to remove symptoms within four to six weeks
What is the surgical treatment?
It is the process of removing the slipped part of the disc that compresses the nerves through a small incision (2 to 3 cm) in the back and using a microscope.
Is there risk of the surgery? What is its success rate?
The success rate of the operation is more than 95%, and usually the patient wakes up from the anesthesia and the disc pain has disappeared, as for the wound pain, it is simple and lasts for a day or two. These operations are considered very safe and they are routine surgery in advanced centers
When the patient can return to normal life?
Immediately after the operation, the patient can walk, sit and travel by plane or car for short distances, and he can return to office work within three weeks and return to any other work within six weeks
Are there solutions other than surgery?
In some cases, a needle may be given in the back that contains an anti-inflammatory substance that works the work of cortisone and may lead to relief of pain and inflammation in the nerve
what about curing the disk with the scope and enzymes?
In very few cases, a laparoscope can be used to remove the slipped part of the disc, and this leads to a reduction in the wound from 3 cm to 1 or 2 cm. As for the enzymes and other substances, it has not been scientifically proven that they have a successful role in these cases and, on the contrary, may lead to difficulty in treatment Later
How can I avoid slipped disc?
It can be avoided by following the following things
First: Maintaining the ideal weight
Second: To keep practicing sports and maintain lower back fitness
Third: Using proper methods to lift, pick up and move things
Fourth: Maintaining the integrity of the back when walking and sitting
Fifth: Using supportive devices such as medical mattresses and lower back pillows
Are there native or popular ways to treat these conditions?
Some patients may resort to native or folk medicine such as cupping, Chinese needles, ironing, hot sand baths, and some herbs such as fenugreek and others. Although they may lead to a temporary improvement in pain, medical and scientific research has not proven the effectiveness of these native methods and their scientific effect is similar to the effect of analgesic drugs.
Back Care Instructions
What should be done and what should not be done?
Seating
You must sit upright while maintaining a straight back and use a small pillow behind the back, and you should avoid sitting on low furniture or on the floor for long periods or sitting in a curve
Bend
The knees should be bended and the back kept straight when picking up things from the ground, and avoiding work that requires bending forward for long periods, such as sweeping, planting, etc.
Weight lifting
The back must be kept straight when lifting and carrying, and avoiding lifting and carrying heavy objects as much as possible
Sleep
A medium firm mattress should be used
Traveling by car or plane
You must maintain a straight back, use a medical pillow behind the back, and try to stand and walk every half hour


