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Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
Medical Questions » Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
| Name: Intervertebral Disc Prolapse |
| Also known as: Slipped Disc |
| Vertebral discs are cushions between the bony vertebrae that form the back bone. They are like a small, thick walled balloon, with walls made of rubbery ligaments and cartilage. The hollow center is filled with a dense
fluid which acts as a shock absorber when walking or running. Discs between the last three or four vertebrae are normally affected, but any disc from the skull down may be involved. |
Causes of Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
If an excessive amount of pressure is put on a disc from heavy lifting, long term wear and tear or other injury, it may collapse and bulge out between the vertebrae to put pressure on nerves or the spinal cord. |
Symptoms of Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
Severe back pain and/or pain in the buttock or leg (sciatica), numbness and other altered sensation, and in extreme cases muscle weakness and paralysis. |
Tests for Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
The space between vertebrae is seen to be narrower than normal on an X-ray, and a CT or MRI scan shows the bulging disc. |
Treatment for Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
Physiotherapy and exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, pain killers, back supports, steroids, back injections and surgery.
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Complications of Intervertebral Disc Prolapse of its treatment
Permanent damage to nerves possible if treatment delayed. |
Likely Outcome of Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
Usually slowly progressive, but good results from surgery in severe cases. |
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