Sengkang: 6284 4878 | 9817 2361
Toa Payoh: 6226 0829 | 9827 3139
Potong Pasir: 6241 2124 |
 9837 2385
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Sengkang: 6284 4878 | 9817 2361
Toa Payoh: 6226 0829 | 9827 3139
Potong Pasir: 6241 2124 | 9837 2385

Slipped Disc

Slipped Disc | Live Well Chiropractic

What is Slipped Disc (disc herniation, disc bulge, disc protrusion)?

The term ‘disc’ is short for ‘intervertebral disc’. These are the spongy cushions that separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Discs provide shock absorption, keep the spine stable and give the vertebrae ‘pivot points’ to allow movement.

Discs have two parts: the elastic outer shell (the ‘annulus fibrosis’), and an inner jelly-like substance (the ‘nucleus pulposus’). The outer shell surrounds and holds the ‘inner jelly’ within the disc core.

Discs can handle quite a lot of pressure or load without problems. But certain types of pressure can cause strain and irritation of the outer shell. In some cases, this can push its contents out. This is known as a slipped disc.

Disc changes happen across our lifetime as connective tissues change with age, and the structures of the spine adapt to cope with the physical loads of daily life. Disc bulges, disc space narrowing (or disc height loss) and disc dehydration are normal, common age-related changes.

 

What Causes Slipped Disc?

A slipped disc occurs when the outer ring becomes weak or torn and allows the inner portion to slip out. This can happen with age. Certain motions may also cause a slipped disc. A disc can slip out of place while you are twisting or turning to lift an object. Lifting a very large, heavy object can place great strain on the lower back, resulting in a slipped disc. If you have a very physically demanding job that requires a lot of lifting, you may be at increased risk for slipped discs.

Overweight individuals are also at increased risk for a slipped disc because their discs must support the additional weight. Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the development of a slipped disc.

As you get older, you are more likely to experience a slipped disc. This is because your discs begin to lose some of their protective water content as you age. As a result, they can slip more easily out of place. They are more common in men than women.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Slipped Disc?

Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck. Signs and symptoms depend on where the disk is situated and whether the disk is pressing on a nerve. Herniated disks usually affect one side of the body.

  • Back and neck painThe most common symptom of slipped disc is generalized neck and lower back pain

  • Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disc is in your lower back, besides pain in your lower back, you'll typically feel pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. You might have pain in part of the foot as well.

    For a herniated disc in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning.

  • Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disc often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves

  • Weakness. Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This can cause you to stumble, or affect your ability to lift or hold items.

You can have a herniated disc without symptoms. You might not know you have it unless it shows up on a spinal image.

How are slipped discs diagnosed?

Your Chiropractor will first perform a physical examination. They will be looking for the source of your pain and discomfort. This will involve checking your nerve function and muscle strength, and whether you feel pain when moving or touching the affected area. Your Chiropractor also will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. They will be interested in when you first felt symptoms and what activities cause your pain to worsen.

Imaging tests can help your Chiropractor view the bones and muscles of your spine and identify any damaged areas. Examples of imaging scans include:

  • X-rays
  • MRI scans

Your doctor can combine all these pieces of information to determine what is causing your pain, weakness, or discomfort.

What are the complications of a slipped disc?

An untreated, severe slipped disc can lead to permanent nerve damage. In very rare cases, a slipped disc can cut off nerve impulses to the cauda equina nerves in your lower back and legs. If this occurs, you may lose bowel or bladder control.

Another long-term complication is known as saddle anesthesia. In this case, the slipped disc compresses nerves and causes you to lose sensation in your inner thighs, the back of your legs, and around your rectum.

While the symptoms of a slipped disc may improve, they also can worsen. If you cannot perform the activities you once could, it’s time to see your doctor.

Is it possible to prevent a slipped disc?

It may not be possible to prevent a slipped disc, but you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing a slipped disc. These steps include:

  • Use safe lifting techniques: Bend and lift from your knees, not your waist.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Do not remain seated for long periods; get up and stretch periodically.
  • Do exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back, legs, and abdomen.

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Surgery on slipped discs is an invasive, expensive procedure, bound to lead to a long recovery time. Meanwhile, over-the-counter or prescription drugs are associated with harmful side effects. Dependence on these medications may also lead to addiction, all the while masking pain instead of absolving it.

Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is an individualized program focused on long-term health. It’s  non-invasive, and natural. In fact, studies have demonstrated chiropractic is an effective, conservative treatment for slipped discs.

A chiropractor will provide a full physical evaluation and discuss all possible treatment options with you. These could include any of the following:

  • Spinal manipulation: A chiropractor is trained in providing spinal adjustments. Resetting the vertebrae is key for restoring spinal integrity. Even a slight misalignment in the spine can cause a myriad of health issues, while relieving one could have the opposite effect.

  • Lifestyle changes: Finding the root cause of the slipped or herniated disc is essential. A chiropractor may provide a therapeutic exercise program designed to strengthen key muscles. They may also offer nutritional and postural advice. Lifestyle improvements are key in affecting long-term wellness.

  • Decompression therapy: Spinal Decompression therapy is a safe, non- surgical and drug free treatment method for patients who suffer from chronic neck and back pain caused by disc problems and other spinal related conditions. A decompression treatment gently lengthens and releases the spine through repetitive movements by the revolutionary HillDT Spinal Decompression table. As the table pulls and releases, a negative pressure change is created within the intervertebral disc, surrounding soft tissue and spinal joints. The reduction of pressure inside the disc (decompression) allows the disc bulge or herniation and the nutrients to be pulled back into the disc. Rehydration of the disc and surrounding structures creates a physiological change which decreases pain levels and assists the body’s natural healing process. 

 

 

Vinod Morè
Vinod Morè
2023-07-08
Visits to Livewell Chiropractor SengKang helped me to reduce chronic back and shoulder pain with back posture readjustment together with given home exercise. Dr Chaw Siew Wei expertise to focus on aching points helped to relax tense shoulder.
winnie lee
winnie lee
2023-07-05
I suffered from back pains for quite awhile now and have been visiting Dr Jessie for the past few months. Since then, my condition has improved, no longer have frequent back pains. Highly recommend Dr Jessie, friendly, engaging and professional!
Hong Hui Teo
Hong Hui Teo
2023-07-05
I had suffer lower back slip disc at my L4 bone for 13 years. Way back, i had went to hospital for MRI scan, refer to bone specialist and even tried TCM but non of them work well. Time and money spend in the past but the aching/pain just cannot resolve hence at one point of time i had already given up the hope for my slip disc and have the mind set to just live with the pain forever. Recently, happen to saw Chiropractic Ads in my facebook so i decided to give it a try. Did some research online and found LiveWell Sengkang so decided to give it a last tried. Dr Siew Wei was my chiropractor. After 2 session with Dr Siew Wei, realize my back was not as ache as before and surprisingly my body movement had improved as previously due to the aching/pain my body movement when straightening my back is like having this one to two sec pain/aching lag time whenever i bend down and up to do thing. Somehow, Chiropractic improve my body movement and daily lifestyle so I decided to sign up for a 20 session with Dr Siew Wei to continue maintaining my back ache. Overall, i feel the time and money spend is really worth here as I can really see the result here after 2 session with Dr Siew Wei.
John Cole
John Cole
2023-06-11
Dr Jessie assessment was accurate as per what XRay shows. Her chiropractic skill was amicable and was engaging throughout the process..kudos!
Adrielle Alemania
Adrielle Alemania
2023-06-11
I had an ankle surgery 6 months ago and with a scoliosis, it definitely affected my walking during rehabilitation. And I also suffered from severe back pain. with proper exercises, stretching and Chiropractic treatment with Dr. Jessie. I definitely feel a huge improvement on my walking and there’s lesser back pain. Dr. Jessie is a very well versed Chiropractor, she is also very friendly and tends to every patient with different specific treatment. I had chiro treatment done few years back and this is definitely a better clinic! Also I would like to thank the counter staff for always being flexible with my timing.
Daniel Ng
Daniel Ng
2023-06-09
Made an appt after feeling stiff necks and shoulders. Attended to by Dr Kenney. Recommended to do an x-ray and realised I have cervical neck. Now midway to the treatment and feeling much better. Even the chest tightness I used to have, is also better now (yes, chest tightness or pain can be caused by chiropractic issues). Definitely recommend - most of time, the appt are punctual and treatments are fast.
Vivien Chan
Vivien Chan
2023-06-09
I highly recommend Live Well Chiropractic for their exceptional chiropractic treatment. My doctor, Dr. Kenney Truong is professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. He has demonstrated an impressive level of expertise and provided effective and timely treatment - successfully addressing both symptoms and root causes of pain. Patient education and empowerment are prioritized, and the clinic has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Overall, my experience has resulted in significant pain relief and improved well-being.
ily a
ily a
2023-06-03
My experience with Livewell has been great! Dr kenney always manage to help me alleviate the pain around my problematic areas. Their prices are reasonable too.
Zi Jie Tham (M字秃Uncle的中年危机)
Zi Jie Tham (M字秃Uncle的中年危机)
2023-05-31
Dr Kenney is very professional and patient. He will check with you any pain and adjust treatment accordingly. There is no pain for doing chiropractic unlike surgery. Though it will take some times to improve body condition progressively.

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