If you think that you might be experiencing the symptoms of a slipped disc, it is important that you visit a doctor to diagnose the origin of the problem and to learn about the numerous treatment options that are available to you. In most cases, discomfort stemming from a problem with an intervertebral disc can be managed effectively with a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical techniques, but only a professional will be able to create a personally tailored, comprehensive treatment plan that will work for your unique circumstance.

Before we can discuss the specific symptoms that may accompany a so-called slipped disc, it will first be helpful to explore what it means to have the condition. First and foremost, the term “slipped disc” is technically not medically accurate. An intervertebral disc does not slip out of its normal boundaries between adjacent vertebrae. So, as it turns out, the phrase slipped disc is simply a colloquial expression used to describe back or neck pain. With that said, while discs don’t slip, per se, they certainly do bulge, rupture, and weaken, which can lead to a litany of symptoms.

Over the years, the intervertebral discs are susceptible to wear and tear, especially in the lower back and neck where tremendous weight burden and high flexibility tend to accelerate deterioration. When the thick outer wall of the disc – called the annulus fibrosus – weakens and bulges into the spinal canal, the individual is said to have a bulging disc. If the annulus fibrosus ruptures and allows the inner disc material to seep out of the disc and into the spinal canal, it is said that the individual has a herniated disc. Each of these conditions can cause the individual discomfort that they might label as slipped disc symptoms.

One of the difficulties in identifying the effects of a deteriorated or damaged disc is that it can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the problem. For instance, a herniated disc in the neck can cause discomfort in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, and throughout the upper body. A bulging disc in the lower back, on the other hand, might cause localized pain, as well as symptoms throughout the legs, thighs, buttocks, knees, feet, and toes. Furthermore, the specific symptoms experienced vary widely from localized, chronic pain to numbness and tingling in the extremities, diminished reflexes, muscle fatigue, or even a sensation of pins and needles.

The good news about each of these symptoms is that in most cases a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatment is usually all that is required to manage discomfort. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, low impact exercise, gentle stretching techniques, heat therapy, and other similar approaches are particularly effective and popular. Only in instances when all other treatments have failed to deliver lasting results is surgery considered and even then there are all sorts of options available ranging from open spine surgery to a state-of-the-art endoscopic procedure. To learn more speak with your doctor today.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for individuals who are struggling with slipped disc symptoms.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for individuals who are struggling with slipped disc symptoms. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/slipped_disc/symptoms/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for individuals who are struggling with slipped disc symptoms.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: slipped disc symptoms