How to Get a Slipped Disc Back in Place

Managing a slipped disc mainly involves non-surgical methods like physical therapy, medication, and chiropractic care. Physical therapy includes exercises to make core muscles stronger and improve flexibility.

Medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and muscle relaxants can help reduce pain. Chiropractors use techniques like spinal manipulation to help realign the spine and lessen pressure on the disc.

Making lifestyle changes, such as keeping a healthy weight and using proper lifting techniques, is also important for long-term care. Sometimes, spinal injections or surgery may be needed.

It’s important to understand the benefits and limits of each treatment option for proper care.

Chiropractor treating patient's lower back pain - How to Get a Slipped Disc Back in Place

Causes of a Slipped Disc

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, primarily occurs due to age-related wear and tear on the intervertebral discs. This degeneration, termed intervertebral disc disease, results in the discs losing water content and flexibility, making them more prone to injury.

Causes of a Slipped Disc:

  1. Age-Related Degeneration: Over time, the discs between the vertebrae naturally degrade, losing their ability to absorb shock and remain flexible. This degeneration makes them more susceptible to injury and herniation.
  2. Improper Lifting Techniques: Lifting heavy objects incorrectly places excessive stress on the lower back. When the spine is subjected to such stress, it can cause the outer layer of the disc to tear, allowing the inner material to protrude and press on nearby nerves.
  3. Repetitive Movements: Engaging in repetitive motions, especially those involving the spine, can strain the intervertebral discs. Over time, this can weaken the discs and increase the risk of a herniated disc.
  4. Sudden Injuries: Acute injuries from accidents, falls, or sudden, forceful movements can cause the outer layer of a disc to rupture, leading to herniation.
  5. Genetics: A family history of disc problems can predispose individuals to develop similar issues. Genetic factors can influence the structure and resilience of the discs.
  6. Lifestyle Choices:
    • Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the spine, particularly the lower back, increasing the risk of disc herniation.
    • Lack of Exercise: Insufficient physical activity weakens the muscles that support the spine, making it more vulnerable to injury.
    • Poor Posture: Maintaining poor posture over long periods can strain the spine and contribute to disc degeneration and herniation.

Diagnosing a Slipped Disc

Diagnosing a slipped disc involves a comprehensive approach to ensure accuracy and reliability. Here are the steps typically involved:

Steps in Diagnosing a Slipped Disc:

  1. Detailed Patient History:
    • Symptom Inquiry: The doctor will ask about the nature, location, and duration of your pain, as well as any other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
    • Possible Causes: Questions will be aimed at identifying any potential causes, such as recent injuries, repetitive activities, or lifestyle factors.
  2. Physical Examination:
    • Neurological Tests: These tests assess nerve function, including muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in the affected areas.
    • Range of Motion: The doctor may check how well you can move and if certain movements increase your pain.
    • Provocative Tests: Specific movements or positions that might reproduce your symptoms are tested to help identify the affected nerve.
  3. Imaging Tests:
    • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the preferred imaging test for diagnosing a herniated disc. It provides detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and the spinal cord, helping to pinpoint the location and extent of the herniation.
    • X-rays: While X-rays do not show herniated discs, they help rule out other causes of back pain such as fractures, spinal misalignments, or degenerative changes.
    • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan can offer detailed cross-sectional images of the spine, which can help assess the structure of the spine and identify herniations that might not be visible on X-rays.
    • Myelography: In some cases, a myelogram (a type of imaging test that involves injecting contrast dye into the spinal canal) followed by a CT scan may be used to provide additional detail about the spinal cord and nerve roots.

These diagnostic steps collectively help doctors accurately diagnose a slipped disc and tailor an effective treatment plan. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the best course of action, whether it involves conservative management like physical therapy and medication or more invasive treatments like injections or surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Treating a slipped disc without surgery aims to ease pain, reduce swelling, and improve movement. This is done using physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is very important. It helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can take pressure off the slipped disc. Special exercise plans that include gentle activities can make the spine more flexible and help it heal.

Medications

Medications are also key for pain relief and reducing swelling. Doctors often suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants to help ease pain and make it easier to do physical therapy. Sometimes, they might prescribe corticosteroids if the pain and swelling are very bad.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes help too by fixing issues like bad posture and poor body mechanics. Teaching patients about good posture and helping them manage their weight can stop more discs from slipping and keep the spine healthy.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care helps manage herniated discs by using manual spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae, reducing pressure on the slipped disc and improving spinal function. Chiropractors use specialized techniques to address the root causes of pain rather than just masking the symptoms.

Here are some common methods they use:

Spinal Manipulation

Applying a quick, controlled force to a joint in the spine to improve movement and function. This helps reduce nerve irritation caused by the herniated disc.

Flexion-Distraction Technique

A gentle method using a special table to stretch the spine, easing pressure on the herniated discs. This technique creates a negative pressure in the disc, which can help pull the herniated material back into place and promote healing.

Pelvic Blocking

Placing cushioned wedges under the pelvis changes how the spine moves, which helps reduce muscle spasms and realign the discs. This technique can improve spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the affected disc.

Chiropractic care is based on understanding how the spine and nervous system work together. By addressing problems in the spine, it aims to improve overall function and relieve the pain caused by herniated discs. These non-invasive methods can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals suffering from herniated disc-related pain.

Physical Therapy

Chiropractic care and physical therapy offer distinct but complementary approaches to managing herniated discs, focusing on improving spinal health and reducing pain through different techniques.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care emphasizes spinal adjustments to alleviate herniated disc symptoms. Key methods include:

  • 1
    Spinal Manipulation: Chiropractors apply controlled force to spinal joints to improve alignment and reduce nerve irritation.
  • 2
    Flexion-Distraction Technique: This gentle stretching technique uses a special table to create negative pressure within the disc, helping reabsorb the herniated material and relieving pressure.
  • 3
    Pelvic Blocking: Cushioned wedges placed under the pelvis help adjust spinal alignment and reduce muscle spasms, easing disc pressure.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy aims to strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the spine, enhancing overall function and preventing future issues. Key components include:

  • 1
    Stretching Exercises: These exercises increase flexibility and reduce muscle tightness around the spine, alleviating pressure on the affected disc.
  • 2
    Strengthening Exercises: Focused on core muscles like the transverse abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor muscles, these exercises provide better spinal support and stability.
  • 3
    Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage and joint mobilization, help reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote tissue healing.
  • 4
    Electrical Stimulation: This method uses electrical currents to reduce pain and inflammation, aiding in muscle relaxation and recovery.
  • 5
    Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can reduce swelling, relax muscles, and alleviate pain.

Integrating Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy

Combining chiropractic care with physical therapy can provide a holistic approach to managing herniated discs. Chiropractic adjustments can quickly relieve pain and improve spinal alignment, while physical therapy focuses on long-term strength and flexibility to prevent recurrence.

By following a personalized treatment plan that may include both chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy exercises, patients can achieve significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life without the need for surgery.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Managing a slipped disc effectively involves incorporating lifestyle changes that promote spinal health and reduce the risk of further injury. Here’s a detailed look at key lifestyle adjustments:

Regular Exercise

Regular, low-impact exercise is essential for strengthening muscles that support the spine and improving overall flexibility. Here are some recommended activities:

  • Swimming: Provides a full-body workout without putting stress on the spine.
  • Walking: A gentle way to improve cardiovascular health and maintain mobility.
  • Biking: Low-impact cycling helps strengthen leg muscles and supports spinal alignment.

Exercise should be tailored to individual capabilities and approved by a healthcare provider to avoid exacerbating symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial for reducing pressure on the spine and minimizing strain on discs. Tips for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight include:

  • Balanced Diet: Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health and weight management.
  • Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to burn calories and maintain muscle tone.
  • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overeating.

Practicing safe lifting techniques helps prevent further injury to the spine and reduces the risk of aggravating a slipped disc:

  • Bend Your Knees: When lifting objects from the ground, bend your knees to squat down instead of bending at the waist.
  • Maintain Proper Posture: Keep your back straight and avoid twisting while lifting.
  • Lift with Your Legs: Use the strength of your legs to lift the object while keeping it close to your body for better support.
  • Avoid Heavy Lifting: If possible, avoid lifting heavy objects altogether or ask for assistance when needed.

  • Proper Posture: Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and walking to reduce strain on the spine.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow and hinder the body’s ability to heal. Quitting smoking supports overall health and enhances recovery.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Regularly monitor your symptoms and discuss any changes with your healthcare provider. Adjust your lifestyle habits and exercise routine as needed to effectively manage symptoms and promote long-term spinal health.

By incorporating these lifestyle changes, individuals with a slipped disc can improve their quality of life, reduce pain, and lower the risk of recurrent issues, fostering a healthier spine and overall well-being.

Considering Surgery

When conservative treatments fail to alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with a slipped disc, surgery may become necessary. Here’s an overview of surgical options and considerations:

Surgical Evaluation

  • 1
    Comprehensive Evaluation: A neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine specialist will conduct a thorough assessment, including a review of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. This helps determine the severity of the disc herniation, its impact on nerves, and the duration of symptoms.

Types of Surgical Procedures

  • 1
    Microdiscectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. By relieving pressure on the nerve, microdiscectomy aims to reduce pain and improve symptoms without altering the overall structure of the spine significantly.
  • 2
    Laminectomy: In cases where there is significant compression of spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, a laminectomy may be performed. This procedure involves removing part of the lamina (the bony arch of the vertebra) to create more space and relieve pressure on the nerves.
  • 3
    Spinal Fusion: For more complex cases where there is instability in the spine or multiple levels of disc degeneration, spinal fusion may be necessary. This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae using bone grafts or synthetic materials. It stabilizes the spine and prevents movement between the affected vertebrae.

Pre-Surgical Alternatives

  • 1
    Spinal Injections: Before considering surgery, doctors may recommend epidural steroid injections. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the spinal area to reduce swelling and alleviate pain temporarily. While they do not address the underlying disc problem, they can provide relief and help determine the need for surgical intervention.

Surgery for a slipped disc is considered when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief. Each surgical option aims to alleviate pressure on nerves, reduce pain, and restore spinal function based on the specific needs and conditions of the patient.