Non Surgical Slipped Disc Treatment

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A spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the softer "jelly" pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior. So a slipped disc occurs when the outer walls of the intervertebral disc are torn. Other terms for this condition are herniated disc, prolapsed disc, or ruptured disc. When outer annular rings are torn the central gel-like nucleus pulposus can push out and place pressure on the other structures in the area. The slipped disc usually occurs at the posterior lateral wall where the annulus fibrosis is thinnest. Unfortunately, this is where the nerves of the spine exit and track distally into the body. The larger the tear and the further the nucleus pushes out into the surrounding area, the more severe the symptoms. Commonly the majority of slipped discs occur in the lumbar spine, at levels L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 and in Cervical spine C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7. A slipped disc in the lumbar spine can affect the sciatic nerve, creating a condition called sciatica.

Cervical Disc Herniation

The bones (vertebrae) that form the cervical spine are cushioned by round, flat discs. These discs are located between each pair of vertebra in the spine except for those at the first and second cervical level (called atlas and axis). When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open (rupture), in what is called a herniated or slipped disc. It usually develops in the 30 to 50 year old age group. A cervical herniated disc may originate from some sort of trauma or neck injury, the symptoms commonly start spontaneously. Cervical disc prolapse usually occurs in C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels.

The vertebral subluxation is a major reason for Cervical Disc Herniation. A herniated disc may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc. The jelly-like material (nucleus) inside the disc may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments. The discs in the cervical spine are not very large. There is also less space available for the nerves. This means that even a small cervical disc herniation may impinge on the nerve and cause significant pain.

Causes

1. Degeneration, arthritic changes, or general wear and tear over time
2. Genetics - Herniated disc also can run in families
3. Sudden fall or trauma, like a motor vehicle accident, can result in facet joint irritation, inducing wear and tear on joints and disc.
4. Repetitive stress injuries, like lifting or carrying heavy loads.
5. Sports Injuries.
6. Wrong sitting postures at the Workplace.
7. Frequent two-wheeler riding.
8.    Overuse of cell phones in the wrong posture.

• Symptoms

• 1. Pain on or near your shoulder blade
  2. Neck pain when turning your head or bending your neck.
  3. Muscle spasms, Tenderness, Swelling, Muscle weakness.
  4. C4-C5 (C5 nerve root): A herniation at this level can cause shoulder pain and weakness in the deltoid muscle at the top of the upper arm, and does not usually cause numbness or tingling.
  5. C5-C6 (C6 nerve root): A C5-C6 disc herniation can cause weakness in the biceps (muscles in the front of the upper arms) and wrist extensor muscles. Numbness and tingling along with pain can radiate to the thumb side of the hand. This is one of the most common levels for a cervical disc herniation to occur.
  6. C6-C7 (C7 nerve root): A herniated disc in this area can cause weakness in the triceps (muscles in the back of the upper arm and extending to the forearm) and the finger extensor muscles. Numbness and tingling along with pain can radiate down the triceps and into the middle finger. This level is also one of the most common areas for a cervical disc herniation.
  7. C7-T1 (C8 nerve root): This level is located at the very bottom of the neck, where the cervical spine meets the thoracic, or upper, back. A herniation here can cause weakness with the handgrip, along with numbness and tingling and pain that radiates down the arm to the little finger side of a hand.
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