Dr. Ashish S Naik

Cervical & Lumbar Disc Prolapse

A disc prolapse (commonly referred to as a herniated disc or slipped disc) occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This can happen in both the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.

Symptoms:

• Cervical Disc Prolapse: Neck pain, radiating pain into the shoulders and arms, numbness or tingling in the hands, weakness in the arms or hands.
• Lumbar Disc Prolapse: Lower back pain, radiating pain into the buttocks or legs (sciatica), numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, weakness in the legs.

Conservative Treatment Options:

1. Medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): To reduce pain and inflammation.
• Muscle relaxants: For spasms that may occur due to disc prolapse.
• Oral corticosteroids: In some cases, short-term use of steroids can help reduce severe inflammation.

2. Physical Therapy:

• Cervical Disc Prolapse: Neck exercises, postural training, and traction can relieve nerve compression and improve mobility.
• Lumbar Disc Prolapse: Core-strengthening exercises, stretching, and physical therapy modalities such as traction can reduce the pressure on the affected nerve roots and provide relief.

3. Epidural Steroid Injections:

• For patients who don’t respond to medication and therapy, epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation around the affected nerves, offering temporary relief.

4. Lifestyle Modifications:

• Avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements that can aggravate the condition.
• Adopting a proper posture, both when sitting and standing, to minimize stress on the spine.