Slipped Disc Treatment - What is Slipped Disc?

Intervertebral disc is the shock-absorbing structures in between the vertebral bodies. In the unique human anatomy, the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck) are responsible for most the mobility in terms of bending and extension, while the thoracic spine and the sacral spine are relatively immobile. Hence the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck) are under intense mechanical stress and has the highest risk of injury and degeneration.

Symptoms

In Singapore, a slipped disc is the most severe spectrum among the degenerative disc disease (DDD). Depending on the on the size and the location of the slipped disc, symptoms would range from severe intractable lightning like pain or burning pain radiating from the lower back to the foot (Sciatica). And the most severe form would be paralysis of the lower limbs and loss of functions of the bladder and bowel (caudaequina syndrome).

If the slipped disc happens in the neck, patients may experience similar lightning like pain or burning pain, radiating from the neck to the hands. If you are suffering from these symptoms, you are advised to visit an Orthopaedic Surgeon or Bone Specialist in Singapore immediately to seek treatment.

Assessment

At HC Orthopaedic Surgery in Singapore, we will take a thorough history, X rays, MRI scan of the spine and physical examination before any slipped disc treatment is administered. This is to fully evaluate the cause of the back pain and nerve symptoms, and to exclude any other sinister cause of the low back pain such as pathological fractures and cancer spread to the spine (metastasis).