Is a Slipped Disc the Same as a Herniated Disc?

A slipped disc is the informal term for a herniated disc in the spine. This medical condition may also be referred to as a prolapsed disc. A diagnosis from a top Los Angeles spine surgeon of a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disc means that the soft, inner portion of a disc in your spine is protruding through the tough outer portion of the disc.

When a disc "slips," it is typically caused by an injury or weakness in the spine. For example, lifting heavy objects can cause a disc herniation either from the weight alone, or from any twisting motion while lifting or carrying an item. Slipped discs caused by weakness may be stem from obesity, an inactive lifestyle, or age.

Slipped Disc Symptoms

When a disc "slips" you'll often feel pain and discomfort. You may notice that the pain is worse at night, or after extended periods of either sitting or standing. You may also experience disproportionate pain from walking short distances.

In addition, if the disc slips in such a manner as to cause it to press on a spinal nerve, you're likely to experience additional symptoms including:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness, typically on one side of the body
• Radiating pain in the arms or legs
• Tingling sensations

About Discs in the Spine

Your spine is made up of bones which are cushioned by intervertebral discs. One function of the intervertebral discs is to prevent the bones of the spine from rubbing together. In other words, they serve as shock absorbers throughout the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine. A second important function of the intervertebral discs is to protect the nerves which run through the center of the spine.

Discs are made of intervertebralfibrocartilage and have two parts. The outside part of the disc is a protective covering made up of a tough material called annulus fibrosus. It protects the inner part of the disc, which is called the nucleus pulposus

For reference: your lower back is known as your lumbar spine, which is comprised of 5 bones and 5 discs. Your middle back is known as the thoracic spine andis made of 12 bones and 12 spinal discs. The top part of your spine and neck is your cervical spine which is made of 7 bones and 6 discs.

Diagnosing and Treating a Slipped Disc in Los Angeles

If your primary care physician suspects that you have a herniated disc, they may order imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Alternately, they may refer you directly to a spine surgeon in Los Angeles who will order one of these scans or a discogram.

If your imaging tests reveal that you do have a slipped or herniated disc, Dr. K. Rad Payman will customize a treatment plan, ranging from conservative treatments such as over the counter pain medication, stretching exercises, or physical therapy, to more intensive treatments such as spine surgery.

Depending upon which disc has slipped, and the severity of the herniation, you may need medications including muscle relaxers, or nerve medication. In very severe cases of disc herniation, wherein your pain is severe, and conservative treatments fail, Dr. K. Rad Payman, may inform you that surgery is your best option.

Surgeries for herniated or slipped discs vary depending on the severity of the herniation. For example, in some cases it may be possible for Dr. K. Rad Payman to remove only the part of the disc which is protruding, through a procedure known as a microdiscectomy. In a microdiscectomy, Dr. K. Rad Payman will use microsurgical techniques and a surgical microscope to remove the portion of the disc that putting pressure on spinal nerves, so that you may be relieved of pain, weakness, and numbness in your limbs.

In other cases of slipped discs, the entire disc may need to be removed and replaced, with an artificial disc. Other patients may require a spinal fusion, wherein the disc is removed, and the vertebrae of your spine are fused together. If you're suffering from back pain caused by conditions such as a slipped disc, spinal stenosis, spinal trauma, deformity, or degenerative conditions, Dr. K. Rad Payman can help. Specializing in reconstructive spine surgery, Dr. K. Rad Payman is a highly regarded spine surgeon in Los Angeles, and throughout the San Fernando Valley.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment Dr. K. Rad Payman by calling 818-501-2001 serving the Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Valencia and Lancaster areas.