Slipped Disc Therapies in Singapore

It all started with slipped disc…

What is a Slipped Disc?

A slipped disc can be coined by many names. It can be termed “herniated,” “ruptured,” or “prolapsed”.  This condition refers to the pushing out of soft cushion tissues between the bones in your spine. It feels extremely painful when it presses on one’s nerves. The condition of a slipped disc stems from wear-and-tear where the discs suffer from degeneration and lose their elasticity (refer to image below).

Image source: https://www.onespine.sg/services/slipped-disc/

Who affects Slipped Discs the MOST?

Individuals most prone to slipped discs span from 30-50 years old and occur more in males than females. According to the Informed Health Org. (2020), men are twice as likely to have a slipped disc compared to women. However, there are also other risk factors including weight, prolonged sitting, or a past history of pain conditions such as whiplash (sudden movement in the back that causes it to move forwards, backwards or sideways).

Symptoms

Most slipped discs experienced the protrusion of the soft jelly cushion that can be in the front or back of the spine two vertebrae and it may result in compressing the nerve roots.

As for herniated disc the inner nucleus is damaged or ruptures and leaks through the protective annulus wall. The herniated disc pain symptom is considered more severe than bulging discs which commonly compressed the nerves root. The nerve roots compression symptom can be very excruciating numbness radiating pain, inflammation and can restrict the movement of the spine or even caused paralysis. Most herniations are caused by traumatize of forces or impact, degeneration, disks desiccation, or from lifting heavy objects.

Other Symptoms include:

• Excruciating pain radiating to the lower limb.
• Numbness, needles poking tingling sensation, spasms, or burning sensations on the lower limb
• Difficulties in standing, sitting and walking.

Coughing and sneezing may be intensified and triggered nerve compression pain.

Causes of herniated disc

The most common cause of slip discs is due to degeneration of the spine and weakening of the spine muscle. As we going through the process of aging the spine started to degenerate and become stiffer and dehydrate. Our body muscle mass started decreasing and body weight started to increase, the spine is put under lots of pressure and stress, putting the spine at higher risk of causing herniated disc.

There are various significant causes of herniated discs like:

• A spinal pain condition due to accident or trauma
• Repetitive motion and movement that stresses the lower back muscle
• Obesity
• Poor posture and support in prolonging sitting
• Lifting of heavy objects

Diagnosis

There are various diagnoses including the physical examination, usually assessing the movement of the patient bending and stretching. Some of the physical assessment includes:

• Neurological check.

  To determine if there is a neurological problem, the clinician will look for any discomfort of pain sensation like numbness, weakness of the leg or toe pain and compensation of standing or sitting position

• Range of motion tests.

  The patient may be asked to rotate the truck to determine the limitation of movement and pain. Leaning the body forward, back, and bend from side to side to identify the possibilities of slipped discs.

• Leg raise test.

  One of the most common assessments is to ask the patient to do straight leg raise. The patient is required to lie down flat on their back and gently raises the leg one at a time until pain is felt. If the patient felt the pain at the angle of 30 – 70 degrees when the leg is raised, it is the symptom of the nerve compression of the slip disc condition. Another ROM test may be performed from a seated position and the legs are crossed to identify the nerve impingement

• MRI SCAN:

  Once the physical assessment is done and the affected slipped discs are identified, a clinical diagnosis of MRI scan is highly recommended to determine the specific Lumbar vertebra discs are herniated or bulged. Multiple herniated discs can cause paralysis and must be clinically diagnosed for immediate therapy or surgical intervention.

How to prevent slipped disc

There are many ways that can reduce the risks of a slipped disc by:

1. Keeping an erected and stand tall posture
2. Strengthen and balance the core muscle through exercise
3. Exercise to increase lumbar flexibility eg; Yoga
4. Avoid lifting heavy object or try to squat to lift up and avoid bending the back down to lift up the object.
5. Maintaining a healthy body weight. Body weight bearing stresses and puts lots of pressure on the lower back.
6. Practicing good posture and avoid prolong sitting or slouching
7. Exercising regularly. …
8. Stopping smoking.

Slipped Disc Therapy Methods

Here with Pain Clinic @ Wellness Philosophy, we offer not only the best and advanced conservative methods to help deal with your slipped disc, we also offer strengthening programs that maintain your improved condition.

1. Spinal Decompression Therapy: Created for dealing with slipped discs. Spinal decompression therapy, otherwise known as traction provides pain relief through the process of releasing stress and pressure from your back. Spinal nerves that were affected from slipped discs are detracted (pulled/stretched for realignment) to reduce any radiating pain from your back to lower limbs. This therapy method has benefited many of our patients with conditions relating to their back – see our video with Mr Ho!
2. Ultrasound Therapy: With ultrasound waves, heat is generated and transmitted to create vibrations through the skin. These vibrations promote and increase tissue healing because blood flows and circulates in your specific region with a slipped disc. Overtime, the body will encounter an increased ease to produce laxity of the discs and prevent herniation.
3. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Next, Pain Clinic – Wellness Philosophy utilises ESWT as a method which enables you to say that, “Surgery is not your only option.” It speeds up recovery in ligaments and connective tissues because it channels your body’s natural healing/repair mechanism without causing any side effects. Using high energy sound waves in the form of shocks, these are sent and absorbed for the skin to activate and regenerate cells damaged in your discs from herniation.
4. Rehab & Strengthening: Healing is not complete without maintenance, thus with us, we offer a health & wellness program with our practitioner to improve your body’s condition even with a slipped disc. You will undergo a clinical assessment prior to engaging in any physical activity recommended. Afterwards, together with the practitioner, you will learn and work your body in a safe environment.

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/oQfSHQ2Uaic

Support our esteemed client’s recovery from slipped disc in the video below! Despite a fall that caused paralysis, his determination and faith in our therapy and rehabilitation has resulted in him being able to walk once more!

Feel free to inquire with us about your condition. We are available to your call at 6223 7170, message at 8282 7918 (WhatsApp) or email painclinic@wellnessphilosophy.sg !

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