Slipped Disc or Sciatica: Prevention, Precautions & Slipped Disc Surgery

Sciatica or slipped disc is a medical condition where the patient sufferers from excruciating pain traveling along the Sciatica nerve. This specific nerve goes from the lower back to the hips around the buttocks, getting separating at each of the legs. 

The primary reason for Sciatica is Herniated disk. This puts pressure on the neural ending around the regions, causing inflammation and numbness affecting the legs. Slipped disc surgery is a significant medical procedure to help patients with their insufferable pain.  

 

What Are The Causes of Sciatica?

Sciatica happens when the Sciatica nerves get pinched. The dominant reason is that herniated disk or an overgrown bone. The situation is discussed as a bone spurt typically happening in the spinal channel. 

The rare occurrence of a tumor can also make the patient experience excruciating pain. Again diseases like Diabetes tend to damage the neural endings around the bone, causing Sciatica.

 

Who can get Sciatica?

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can damage the Sciatica nerve, making the patient experience pain in the lumbar portion.

 

Occupation

Many jobs are there which require 

• Twisting the back
• Carrying heavy loads
• Driving a motor vehicle for extensive hours

It can cause the patients Sciatica.

 

Obesity

When a person gains more weight than required, it puts excess pressure on the lumbar region. 

 

Prolonged Sitting

People with a sedentary lifestyle have the chance of having Sciatica.

 

Age

Age-related changes in the body can make the patient experience Sciatica. 

 

Sciatica: Prevention & Precaution

It might be an incurable medical condition. Even after slipped disc surgery, it is highly likely to return. However, your sincere attempt at prevention is encouraged.

• Working out– To make your back strong, exercising on the core helps. The muscle in the abdomen and around the lower back is important for stimulating good posture and spinal alignment.
• Check Your Sitting Position– Always consider a chair or general seat that gives you comfortable time and solid lower back support. Check if your set comes with an armrest and swivel base as well. If required, you can add a pillow. A rolled towel is also a good alternative. Place the options in the back to maintain the normal curve of your body. Also, ensure that your knees and hips are at level.
• Don’t Overwork On Your Body- If your job makes you stand long, have a small tool to help you with the pressure. A small carton box can also help you. Additionally, if you are lifting something heavy, use your legs to lift those up. Hold the weights close to your body. Make sure you don’t twist and lift all at the same time. It would be better to find someone to help you with the situation.

 

When to Visit The Medical Professionals?

The good news is if you are suffering from a herniated disk or Sciatica, the medication might be proficient enough to heal your situation. The report shows that around 90% of people recover. However, it depends on the patient. Some might recover within a week, while some might take a month. However, here are some general rules which you must follow-

• If the pain increases, stopping your typical body movement for at least 2-3 days is better. See how much you can walk. The doctor might prescribe you ibuprofen (if you are good to go to have it). But complete bedrest is not suggested.
• Physical therapy would be advisable. 
• If the symptoms remain constant for more than 6 weeks, it is highly suggested to consider an MRI.
• Talking with a neurosurgeon is also suggested if the pain keeps on increasing/being constant.
• If you are suffering from- Leg/arm weakness, loss of feeling in the genital/rectal region, no control of urine or stool, a history of metastatic cancer, significant recent infection or fever, and radiculopathy or a fall/injury that caused the pain better go for immediate consultations. 

 

Sciatica-What Are the Medical Examinations?

X-Ray

With this image scan, the patient will understand the current condition of the vertebrae and the joints. An X-ray is also performed to find other causes of pain, such as tumors, fractures and infections, and more.

 

CAT Scan

This medical examination makes you understand the shape and size of the spinal canal, muscular components, and structure around the same. 

 

MRI

The test produces 3D images of the body structures utilizing powerful magnets and computer technology. The doctors will observe spinal cord structures, neural roots, and the surrounding area. The expert will also check for any concerning enlargements, tumors, or degeneration. 

 

Myelogram

It is a diagnostic method used to observe the pressure on the spinal cord because of the herniated disk.

 

Sciatica- The Treatments

The Initial Stage is Non-Surgical Methods

The first approach to Sciatica is typically non-surgical. The medical professional suggests staying low and adopting general painless movements for some days straight. This practice would help the spinal inflammation to calm down. 

However, bed rest is not advised. Medications will be prescribed if only the pain is bearable. For instance, the patient might be injected with an epidural steroid after closely examining the X-ray projection of the medical condition. The method ensures direct handling of the herniated disk with precision and factual accuracy.

The professionals would highly suggest you take physical therapy such as-

• Pelvic traction, 
• Gentle massage, 
• Ice and heat therapy, 
• Ultrasound, 
• Electrical muscle stimulation and 
• Stretching exercises
• Muscle relaxant 
• Pain medication

 

The Surgical Method-Slipped Disc Surgery

It is the next best step only if the abovementioned conventional methods do not work. The doctor will take time and discuss the entire process of slipped disc surgery with the patient to make the patient comfortable knowing about the same. 

The doctor will negotiate with the patient’s age factor and other diseases before going in with the surgery. After slipped disc surgery, many patients are said to have experienced substantial relief. However, still, surgery can’t guarantee the same for everyone.

The doctor will be happy to move forward with the slipped disc surgery only for the patient-

• The patient is healthy and is doing fine healthwise.
• If the pain is hampering regular movement and a perfect running lifestyle. 
• If the pain is making your bowel and bladder function improperly.
• Finding it challenging to walk or at least stand.
• When the mediation and therapy applied are ineffective.

 

In Conclusion

So, now you have a clear idea about  Sciatica and slipped disc surgery. The only thing that remains here is where you should have the surgery. CureBridge is here to make your slipped disc surgery be most comfortable operation possible. The state-of-the-art facility has all current medical gadgets, making your treatment the best. Call CureBridge right now and book an appointment for your slipped disc surgery at the earliest.