A prolapsed disc, also called a slipped or herniated disc, is a condition in which the intervertebral discs, which provide the cushioning center between each bone in the spine, leaks out of its enclosure. Caused by things such as injury or degenerative changes in the bones or joints, the connecting mechanism of bones, the misplaced material can cause pressure on neighboring muscles and nerves resulting in pain, numbness and even weakness in the spine or anywhere along the path of the nerve involved. Prolapsed disc treatment varies on the amount of disc material protruding and on severity of the symptoms.
When the symptoms of a slipped disc are minor and cause slight discomfort with movement, prolapsed disc treatment can be conservative in nature. Therapy options include pain management through the use of ice for acute or sudden onset of symptoms, and heat for chronic or longstanding symptoms. When the pain is at its peak, prolapsed disc treatment involves limiting movement of the area for a short period of time. Total bed rest is usually inadvisable as it can prolong rehabilitation time. Once the initial pain subsides, movement and normal activities can be resumed slowly.
Pain issues caused by a slight ruptured disc can often be managed through the use of over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. These pain-relievers may ease mild pain and discomfort caused by spasms or tightness of the area surrounding the leakage. Muscular tension or spasms, a strong involuntary tightening of the muscles, may also be controlled through noninvasive treatment options such as massage therapy or physical therapy.
Massage therapy can relax the muscles involved and release the pressure exerted on the nerve involved. Physical therapy is beneficial in prolapsed disc treatment due to the available modalities, such as ultrasound and electric stimulation, designed to reduce pain issues. Once pain is manageable, the physical therapist creates a specific stretching and exercise program designed to continue to alleviate symptoms while increasing flexibility and strength to protect the area from further aggravation and assist the body in returning to normal activities. Sport or work-specific activities can typically be resumed with proper re-training of the body, commonly performed through a precise program crafted individually called work hardening.
When pain or dysfunction issues caused by a slipped disc are interfering with quality of life, prolapsed disc treatment may include more invasive procedures such as trigger point injections, where steroids are inserted into the area to relief any swelling or spasms. Surgical procedures are another option for severe symptoms to remove the overflowing disc material to relief pressure and pain.