Prolapsed Disc 2018-01-22T14:51:58+00:00

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Prolapsed Disc
Prolapsed Disc
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Prolapsed Disc

What is a Prolapsed Disc?

When you have a prolapsed disc (commonly called a ‘slipped disc’), a disc does not actually ‘slip’. What happens is that part of the inner softer part of the disc (the nucleus pulposus) bulges out (herniates) through a weakness in the outer part of the disc. A prolapsed disc is sometimes called a herniated disc. The bulging disc may press on nearby structures such as a nerve coming from the spinal cord. Some inflammation also develops around the prolapsed part of the disc.

Any disc in the spine can prolapse. However, most prolapsed discs occur in the lumbar part of the spine (lower back). The size of the prolapse can vary. As a rule, the larger the prolapse, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be.

What causes it?

It is not clear why some people develop a prolapsed disc and not others, even when they do the same job or lift the same sort of objects. Various things may trigger the inner softer part of the disc to prolapse out through the weakened outer part of the disc. For example, sneezing, awkward bending, or heavy lifting in an awkward position may cause some extra pressure on the disc. In people with a weakness in a disc this may be sufficient to cause a prolapse.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing a prolapsed disc include:

  • a job involving lots of lifting,
  • a job involving lots of sitting (especially driving),
  • weight bearing sports (weight lifting, etc),
  • increasing age (a disc is more likely to develop a weakness with increasing age).

How can we help?

Continue with normal activities as far as possible. This may not be possible at first if the pain is very bad. However, move around as soon as possible, and get back into normal activities as soon as you are able.

Physiotherapy is recommended for manipulation and/or other physical treatments. Physiotherapy may not help all people with a prolapsed disc. However, physical treatments provide some short-term comfort and hasten recovery in some cases.

Paracetamol and Anti-Inflammatory tablets can ease the pain of a prolapsed disc.