What is a prolapsed disc?
When you have a prolapsed disc (commonly called a 'slipped disc'), a disc does not actually 'slip'. What happens is that part of the inner softer part of the disc (the nucleus pulposus) bulges out (herniates) through a weakness in the outer part of the disc. A prolapsed disc is sometimes called a herniated disc. The bulging disc may press on nearby structures such as a nerve coming from the spinal cord. Some inflammation also develops around the prolapsed part of the disc.
Any disc in the spine can prolapse. However, most prolapsed discs occur in the lumbar part of the spine (lower back). The size of the prolapse can vary. As a rule, the larger the prolapse, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be.
Who gets a prolapsed disc?
Bouts of back pain are very common. However, less than 1 in 20 cases of acute (sudden onset) back pain are due to a prolapsed disc. (Most cases on back pain are classed as 'simple low back pain'. This is thought to be caused by a minor problem to a muscle, ligament, or other structure in the back. For example, a strained muscle.
The commonest age to develop a prolapsed disc is between 30 and 50 years. Twice as many men as women are affected.
What causes a prolapsed disc?
It is not clear why some people develop a prolapsed disc and not others, even when they do the same job or lift the same sort of objects. It seems that some people may have a weakness in the outer part of the affected disc. Various things may trigger the inner softer part of the disc to prolapse out through the weakened outer part of the disc. For example, sneezing, awkward bending, or heavy lifting in an awkward position may cause some extra pressure on the disc. In people with a weakness in a disc this may be sufficient to cause a prolapse. Factors that may increase the risk of developing a prolapsed disc include: a job involving lots of lifting, a job involving lots of sitting (especially driving), weight bearing sports (weight lifting, etc), smoking, obesity, and increasing age (a disc is more likely to develop a weakness with increasing age).
Average rating:
Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below
brian glave, about 1 year
i beleive that the locum was the result of my prayers.brian
Report this commentbrian glave, about 1 year
i had the pain for weeks and then i locum prescribed pregablinin one hour the pain had gone incredible someone who cared for me and the pain was gone .brian
Report this comment
colin ratcliffe, about 1 year
I have in the past had a lamonectomy on my lower back but i still suffer very bad sciatica down my right leg, The pain is so intence i have to take Oramorph to get relif from the pain as no other pain killers work i know Oramorph Is Mprphine but it helps Now i am going to have Epijural ? injections to try and help with the pain
Report this comment