Can further bouts be prevented?
Surgery
Surgery may be an option in some cases. As a rule, surgery may be considered if the symptoms have not settled after about six weeks or so. This is the minority of cases as in about 9 in 10 cases, the symptoms have eased off and are not bad enough to warrant surgery within about six weeks.
The aim of surgery is to cut out the prolapsed part of the disc. This often eases symptoms. However, it does not work in every case. Also, as with all operations, there is a risk from surgery. A specialist will advise on the pros and cons of surgery, and the different techniques that are available.
Can further bouts of back pain and/or prolapsed disc be prevented?
Evidence suggests that the best way to prevent bouts of back pain and prolapsed disc is simply to keep active, and to exercise regularly. This means general fitness exercise such as walking, running, swimming etc. There is no firm evidence to say that any particular 'back strengthening' exercises are more useful than simply keeping fit and active. It is also sensible to be 'back aware'. For example, do not lift objects when you are in an awkward twisting posture.
Further information and advice
Backcare (The National Back Pain Association) 16 Elmtree Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 8ST Tel: 0870 950 0275 Web: www.backcare.org.uk
The Back Book A reliable source of information. It is written by a team consisting of a GP, orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist, osteopath, and psychologist and provides comprehensive advice. Roland, M.O et al. (2002) The back book. London: The Stationary Office.
© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: March 2006 PRODIGY Validated
Average rating:
Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below
Geoffrey G Lee, over 2 years
In '55 I exoerienced my first slipped disc. The RAF medical specialist instructed me to be in bed, on my back, for sometime. Eventually the pain left me and I returned to my servive duties which included training young cadets to fly fast jets. Also, I continued to train for Modern Pentathlon and in '56 represented the RAF in the Nationals. End of '56 joined a fighter recce squadron and in '58 ejected from a fighter aircraft. About '63 time the RAF did a review of pilots who had used the 80ft per second per second cartridge. At the interview I was asked, by the RAF doctor, whether I had any particular problems: I informed him that my disc slipped out quite regularly. The doctor checked my legs length and found I had a difference of quarter of an inch: advice increase the depth of the heel by a quarter of an inch. No more slipped discs! Regards, hope you find this helful.
Report this commentSherRehman, over 2 years
Yes! I found the whole article very useful and informative as i have been suffering from the same problem for the last 20 years.I had several attacks of mild to severe pain for which I practised the recommendations given in this article and found them working.Caring for the back along with regular exercise specially brisk walking are the most useful one.Whenever I discontinued the exercise for a period of six months or more I got the trouble again.Several times the neuro surgeons(exept one)advised me to do surgery but I always adopted these recommendations and got benefit from them.The last episode(on 28th June 2007)was the worst one I experienced in my life and the MRI findings were also disappointing.But addopting the advise of my consultant I continued the physiotherapy along with some specific exercise, today(26 August 2007)I am able to do my routine work with a little discomfort.I will be thankful to the writer of this article if he could provide me with more informations to benefit me and many many other people too.THANKS.
Report this comment
B.M.Luklinski, about 1 year
Spinal problems must be addressed only specialisticallly ( Orthopeadic Medicine/Rehabilitation ) ,any surgery is 100% ineffective = clinical quackery .The best self -care / prevention is via application od SPINAL MOBILISER ( www.backrack .co.uk ) the best world self - therapy system ,ignorance and misinformations is worse enemy of any sufferer. www.sciaticasociety .org www.backrack .co.uk
Report this comment