Disc Prolapse: Causes and Symptoms

What is a Disc Prolapse?

• Also known as a herniated disc, slipped disc, or ruptured disc
• Occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer, tougher layer
• Can occur in any part of the spine, but most common in the lower back (lumbar region)

Causes of Disc Prolapse

• Age-related wear and tear (degeneration)
• Injury or trauma to the spine
• Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
• Obesity
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking

Symptoms of Disc Prolapse

• Back pain
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms
• Weakness in the legs or arms
• Muscle spasms
• Reduced reflexes
• Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function (in severe cases)

Types of Disc Prolapse

• Protrusion: The disc bulges out, but does not rupture
• Extrusion: The disc ruptures, and the soft center spills out
• Sequestration: The ruptured disc breaks off and moves into the spinal canal

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI)
• Treatment: Conservative (rest, physical therapy, pain management) or surgical (discectomy, spinal fusion)

Complications of Untreated Disc Prolapse

• Chronic back pain
• Permanent nerve damage
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Cauda equina syndrome (a medical emergency)

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly to strengthen back muscles
• Lift objects correctly
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move
• Manage stress to reduce muscle tension

What is a Disc Prolapse?

• Also known as a herniated disc, slipped disc, or ruptured disc
• Occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer, tougher layer
• Can occur in any part of the spine, but most common in the lower back (lumbar region)

Causes of Disc Prolapse

• Age-related wear and tear (degeneration)
• Injury or trauma to the spine
• Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
• Obesity
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking

Symptoms of Disc Prolapse

• Back pain
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms
• Weakness in the legs or arms
• Muscle spasms
• Reduced reflexes
• Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function (in severe cases)

Types of Disc Prolapse

• Protrusion: The disc bulges out, but does not rupture
• Extrusion: The disc ruptures, and the soft center spills out
• Sequestration: The ruptured disc breaks off and moves into the spinal canal

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI)
• Treatment: Conservative (rest, physical therapy, pain management) or surgical (discectomy, spinal fusion)

Complications of Untreated Disc Prolapse

• Chronic back pain
• Permanent nerve damage
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Cauda equina syndrome (a medical emergency)

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly to strengthen back muscles
• Lift objects correctly
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move
• Manage stress to reduce muscle tension

Learn about what is disc prolapse, also known as a herniated disc, its causes such as age-related wear and tear, injury, and obesity, and its symptoms.