A prevalent spinal condition known as a slipped disc occurs when one of the cushions between the vertebrae, called intervertebral discs, ruptures and its inner core protrudes. This condition, also referred to as disc prolapse, can cause painful and sometimes disabling compression on a nerve root or, less frequently, on the spinal cord. While the lower back is the most commonly affected area, disc prolapse can potentially affect any of the vertebrae, including those in the neck.
While a prolapsed disc can occasionally result from a sudden and strenuous action, such as lifting a heavy weight, it typically develops gradually as a result of age-related degeneration of the discs.
The symptoms experienced vary depending on the specific disc involved. Compression of the sciatic nerve root, for instance, leads to sciatica, characterized by numbness, tingling, and eventual weakness in the leg muscles. Conversely, a prolapsed disc in the neck manifests as neck pain, stiffness, and weakness in the arm and hand.
The symptoms associated with disc prolapse often show improvement over time as the swelling around the protruding disc tissue diminishes. Painkillers are frequently required in the interim to manage the discomfort. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as partial vertebra removal or the removal of protruding material with disc repair may be employed.