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Department of Pulmonology (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine)

OSA is a type of sleep apnea

Posted On: Jan 01, 2024
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Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms diagnosis and treatment

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Have you ever struggled with unbearable pain when moving? It could be a slipped disc, an extremely widespread condition affecting millions worldwide. An intervertebral cushion between vertebrae gets displaced from its normal position due to an injury or age-related degeneration. These discs help absorb shocks while we stand, walk, or run by keeping our vertebrae apart from one another so we don&#39;t shred our lumbar cores.</span></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">This blog, written by the specialists of the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://test.cosmicnet.xyz/yeshwanthpur/specialities/spine-care/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9">best spine care hospital in Bangalore</span></a>,<span style="color:#000000"> explains the condition of slipped discs, symptoms and causes of slipped discs, diagnostic tests for determining slipped discs, treatment options, prevention, and recovery.&nbsp;</span></p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">What Is a Slipped Disc?</span></strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">A slipped disc is a condition where the position of vertebrae is dislocated due to an injury or disease. It results in uncomfortable symptoms like nerve compression, pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and arms. While a slipped disc can originate from any part of the spinal cord, it usually occurs in the neck or lower back region.</span></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">Understanding the Anatomy of the Spine</span></strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">The backbone, or spine, consists of three crucial components; cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions, and the spinal cord is safely nestled in this bony canal. It functions like a complex passage carrying neural impulses from your mind to your body.</span></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">These delicate nerves are softened by small intervertebral discs that compress during movement, delivering essential nutrients from their gel-like nucleus pulposus centre while maintaining structural integrity with their outer annulus fibrosus casing.</span></p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">What Causes a Slipped Disc?</span></strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">The causes of a slipped disc are unclear, but several factors increase the risk of developing a slipped disc. These include:</span></p>

<ul>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Age-related relapse of the intervertebral discs</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Trauma or injury to the spine</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Repetitive stress on the spine</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Poor posture or body mechanics</span></p>
    </li>
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    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.</span></p>
    </li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Common Symptoms of Slipped Disc include</strong></span></h3>

<ul>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Numbness or tingling in the affected area</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Weakness or loss of function in the affected area</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Difficulty walking or standing</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Bowel or bladder dysfunction.</span></p>
    </li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">Am I at Risk of Developing Slipped Disc?</span></strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Yes, certain factors can make you more susceptible to developing a slipped disc than others. These include:</span></p>

<ul>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Age</strong> -&nbsp;The risk of slipping discs increases with age.</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Gender</strong> -&nbsp;Men are more likely to get slipped discs than women.</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Genetics</strong> -&nbsp;Some people can be predisposed to developing slipped discs due to inherited traits.</span></p>
    </li>
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    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Occupation</strong> -&nbsp;Jobs that require heavy lifting, bending, or twisting can increase the risk of slipping discs.</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Smoking</strong> -&nbsp;It can increase the risk of a slipped disc by reducing the oxygen supply to the intervertebral discs.</span></p>
    </li>
</ul>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">How to Treat Slipped Discs?</span></strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">First, the doctor will diagnose the condition by recommending a number of tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, Electromyography (EMG), etc. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment may entail non-surgical and/or surgical intervention.</span></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Slipped Disc</span></strong></h3>

<ul>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Rest</strong> -&nbsp;Taking a break from activities that aggravate your symptoms can help reduce pain and inflammation.</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Physical Therapy</strong> -&nbsp;It helps to improve strength, flexibility, and motion in the affected area</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Medications</strong> -&nbsp;Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, reduce pain and inflammation.</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Epidural Steroid Injections</strong> -&nbsp;Injections of corticosteroids reduce inflammation and relieve pain.</span></p>
    </li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">Surgical Treatment Options for Slipped Disc</span></strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">In some cases, surgery is necessary to treat a slipped disc. Surgery is recommended if non-surgical treatments have not provided relief, the herniation is pressing on a nerve and causing severe pain or weakness, or there is a loss of bladder or bowel control.</span></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Some common surgical treatments for slipped discs include:</span></p>

<ul>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Microdiscectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerve.</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Laminectomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.</span></p>
    </li>
    <li dir="ltr">
    <p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Spinal fusion: This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilise the spine.</span></p>
    </li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">Recovery and Rehabilitation After Slipped Disc Surgery</span></strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Recovery and rehabilitation after slipped disc surgery depend on the type of surgery and the severity of your herniation. In most cases, you may be asked to wear a back brace for a few weeks as well as take the prescribed pain medication to manage pain during the recovery period. The physical therapy session is an inevitable part of your recovery regime which helps you regain strength and flexibility. Don&rsquo;t indulge in heavy lifting and strenuous activities until full recovery is achieved.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">A slipped disc causes severe pain and discomfort but is a treatable condition. If you experience any symptoms, see a </span><a href="https://test.cosmicnet.xyz/yeshwanthpur/doctors-list/spine-care/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9">best spine doctor in Yeshwanthpur Bangalore</span></a><span style="color:#000000"> right away to save yourself from trouble down the line.</span></p>

<h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">FAQs</span></strong></h4>

<ul dir="ltr">
    <li>
    <h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">How long does it take to recover from slipped disc surgery?</span></strong></h4>
    </li>
</ul>

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-left:40px; text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual. Generally, it takes four-five weeks to several months to fully recover.</span></p>

<ul dir="ltr">
    <li>
    <h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">Can a slipped disc heal on its own?</span></strong></h4>
    </li>
</ul>

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-left:40px; text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">In some cases, the slipped disc heals with rest and non-surgical treatments. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, surgery is necessary.</span></p>

<ul dir="ltr">
    <li>
    <h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="color:#000000">What is the difference between a bulging disc and a slipped disc?</span></strong></h4>
    </li>
</ul>

<p dir="ltr" style="margin-left:40px; text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc weakens and bulges out, and a slipped disc occurs when the inner layer herniates or pushes through a tear in the outer layer.</span></p>
 

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