It Is Not Just an Old Person’s Problem Anymore
Most people have heard the words “slipped disc” and have a mental image of an old person that’s struggling to get out of a chair. But the reality in today’s times is very different. More and more young adults in their late twenties and early thirties are walking into clinics complaining of crippling back pain and tingling legs and difficulty going about their daily tasks. Long hours hunched over their laptops, poor posture, lack of exercise and the stress of modern life – poor posture and lack of exercise are pushing young spines to their limits. A slipped disc, also called a herniated or ruptured disc, happens when the soft cushion sitting between the bones of the spine shifts out of place and starts pressing against the nearby nerves. The most commonly affected levels are L4-L5 and L5-S1 in the lower back. And no, it does not wait until someone turns sixty.
How Would Someone Even Know They Have One?
This is where paying attention to the body really makes a difference. The symptoms of slipped disc may begin small and then accumulatively. A dull ache in the low back may be shrugged off as a result of sitting too long. But when that ache develops into a burning sensation, or when the numbness and tingling start spreading down the legs, it is time to take things seriously. Some people are finding it increasingly difficult to sit, stand or walk without discomfort. Muscle weakness can creep in, making it hard to lift objects or even hold things properly. The tricky part is that some people have a slipped disc without showing any symptoms at all. That is why regular checkups and listening to even the smallest signals from the body can make a real difference.
What Happens at the Doctor’s Clinic?
Before diving into any kind of treatment, it is very important that you do a proper diagnosis. Physical examination is the initial stage that doctors normally start with to ensure that the muscles are stable, reflexes and that the patient can walk without experiencing pain. After that, imaging tests take a hand. An MRI is used to identify the precise location of the herniation, and a CT scan is used to develop cross-sectional images of the spine. In some cases, a myelogram is used to detect pressure on the spinal cord. Nerve tests like EMG and nerve conduction studies help assess if any nerve damage has occurred. Getting a clear diagnosis is the first real step towards choosing the right path forward.
Treatment Options That Actually Work for Young Patients
Here is the good news. Not all slipped discs require operations. Many young patients respond very well to conservative treatment options for slipped disc which focus on the management of pain and regaining movement. Mild forms of pain may be treated with over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Nerve related pain can be treated using such drugs as pregabalin or gabapentin, which such drugs can soothe the nerve impulses. When oral medicines are not enough, cortisone injections directly into the affected area of the spine offer targeted relief. Alongside medication, physiotherapy plays a huge role. Strengthening the muscles around the spine gives it better support and reduces the chances of the problem coming back.
When Surgery Becomes the Only Way Forward
If months of medication and therapy fail to bring the condition improvement, surgery may be suggested. The most prevalent process is a discectomy or microdiscectomy whereby the injured section of the disc is painstakingly excised. Laminectomy surgery involves creating an opening in the vertebral arch to relieve pressure on the nerves. In more serious cases, spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae together for stability. Artificial disc surgery is another option where the damaged disc is replaced with one made of plastic or metal, though it is not suitable for patients with conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. Clinics like One Spine in Mumbai specialise in these procedures with experienced teams dedicated to helping patients recover and regain their quality of life. The key takeaway is simple. A slipped disc at thirty is not the end. With the right treatment options for slipped disc, young patients absolutely can get back on their feet.
