Slipped disc or popularly known as herniated disc happens when one of the disc in the spine ruptured or the inner material of the disc leaks out. This can result to pain in the areas affected and sometimes it can also cause pain in other parts of the body.
Looking closer at our spine, it is made up of 24 individual bones which is called vertebrae and is situated on top of each other. In between this vertebrae are disc which looks like a circular pad. This disc functions as a shock absorber and responsible for the flexibility of the back. Inside the spine are spinal cords which comprise of collection of nerve fibers that are linked to the brain.
A disc’s outer layer is tough while the inner layer contains softer, gel-like substance. Slipped disc happens when the outer layer splits thus allowing gel like substance to bulge out. This damaged disc can put pressure in its nearby nerves thus causing pain in the affected area and other parts of the body that is controlled by the nerve that disc pressed on.
This condition often affects individual ages thirty to fifty years old and it strikes men more than women. Slipped disc often affects the lower part of the body although it can also affect any part of the spine like the upper back and neck.
Generally the period of recovery for slipped disc is around four to six weeks. Most cases of slipped disc respond well with combination of treatments like exercise, massage and medication to reduce pain. However in severe cases, pain may continue for more than six weeks. In severe case, surgery might be necessary but one has to be aware that there are still risks in taking this form of treatment. Success rate of surgery for lower spine is about 60 to 90 percent.
Recently, researchers who are studying autoimmune diseases found out that there might be a line between immune response and back pain. According to the study of Duke University Medical Center, there is a response in an immune cells when herniated disc is present (Arthritis and Rheumatism Journal, July issue)
They identified cytokine molecule interleukin-17 as the immune element that recognizes the nucleus as foreign object thus setting off the immune response. With this, researchers believe that they can now develop a treatment that will lessen the damage and the inflammation by the immune system to the herniated disc.
Up to this day, scientists do not stop to find treatments that can make sufferer of such condition pain free.